Siblings’ Role Positions and Perceptions of Mental Illness

Shivers, Carolyn M.; Russon, Jody; Benson, Mark J.; King, Ashley; Textoris, Sophia

doi:10.1007/s10591-022-09637-6

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…Siblings are often neglected at times of familial stress related to mental ill health or suicide (Bowman et al., 2014; Dyregrov, 2005; Karlstad et al., 2021) and they are barely mentioned in relation to a sibling's suicidal behaviour, although Shivers et al. (2022) found that adult siblings who have siblings with mental illness and suicide ideation can experience carer burden.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Experiences and needs of adult informal carers of adults at risk of suicide: A systematic review with mixed methods analysis

Lascelles,

Davey,

Jackson

et al. 2023

Journal of Advanced Nursing

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AimTo systematically review and synthesize primary research on experiences and needs of adult informal caregivers of adults at risk of suicide.DesignSystematic review with a data‐based convergent synthesis.Data SourcesMEDLINE, PsychINFO and CINAHL were searched in April 2022 and February 2023. English language research focusing on experiences of adult carers of adults was included.MethodsArticles were screened by title (n = 9077) and abstract (n = 132) with additional articles (n = 6) obtained via citation and hand searching. Thirty‐one included studies were quality assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and study data were systematically extracted prior to thematic synthesis.ResultsFive interconnected themes resulted: transitions; living with fear and uncertainty; changing relationships; interface with healthcare professionals and services; what carers need and want. Caring impacts mental, physical and social wellbeing. Relationships are affected in ways which might not be evident when caring for a minor. Repeated suicidal behaviour is particularly challenging with ongoing hypervigilance contributing to burden, burnout and interpersonal strain. Poor carer support exacerbates negative effects; carers need to feel informed, educated, involved and holistically supported.ConclusionTimely support for carers is essential. Interventions should address emotional responses, relational changes and effective care recipient support. Longitudinal research is required to understand effects of ongoing caring where there are multiple suicide attempts.ImplicationsNurses can provide carers with early support and information and longer term psychosocial interventions. If carers are adequately equipped and supported patient safety and wellbeing will be improved.ImpactFindings of this systematic review include relational changes due to carer hypervigilance reducing autonomy and living with the possibility of suicide. Clinician awareness of the potential for relational shifts will help them prepare and support carers.Patient or Public ContributionThere was no patient or public contribution.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Experiences and needs of adult informal carers of adults at risk of suicide: A systematic review with mixed methods analysis

Lascelles,

Davey,

Jackson

et al. 2023

Journal of Advanced Nursing

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…According to family systems theories, a child identified as having mental health problems will have an impact on the entire family system and the relationships within that system [ 45 ]. In such a system, the siblings often describe having to take on the role of caregiver or third parent to the child with mental health problems, including monitoring, ensuring the child completes daily tasks, preventing the child from acting inappropriately, and covering up for misbehavior [ 46 ]. Siblings often viewed these caregiving responsibilities as burdensome, with the potential to lead to feelings of resentment towards the sibling, thus making sibling conflict more prevalent [ 30 , 31 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Yet as long as the illness remains a secret, neither the person with the illness nor the family can undergo a therapeutic recovery process. Therefore, healing can only begin by revealing the secret so that the family can conduct an open discussion within the family and later outside the family as well [ 43 , 46 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Growing up with a sibling with depression: A qualitative study in Israel

Levkovich,

Labes

2023

PLoS ONE

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Depression has major consequences for the entire family, among them emotional distress, disrupted daily routine and social damage caused by negative stigmas. The aim of this study was to explore the retrospective experiences of young adults who lived with a sibling with depression while they were adolescents. The present study adopted a qualitative-phenomenological approach. The research participants were recruited via purposive sampling on social networks across Israel from May to September 2022. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 participants aged 18–29 who lived with a sibling with depression during their adolescence. Data collection continued until saturation of concepts was reached. The results underwent thematic analysis. Three themes emerged from the qualitative analyses: 1) “I felt like I was living in a minefield”: Adolescence while living with a sibling with depression; 2) “One step forward and two steps back”: Siblings’ coping strategies; 3) “My parents were not there for me when I needed them”: Participants’ experiences with their parents during their adolescence. The research findings indicate that adolescents who grew up with a sibling affected by depression had to cope with an acute family crisis, whose serious ramifications required emotional and social support. Mental health professionals and counselors working within educational institutions and the broader community should provide support and intervention for adolescents who have siblings struggling with depression. This intervention may take the form of individual or group therapy that aims to foster a sense of belonging and help affected individuals. Creating a supportive environment that meets the needs of the affected siblings is also crucial in addressing this issue effectively.

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The experience of growing up with a sibling who has depression from emerging adults' perspectives

Shinan‐Altman,

Levkovich

2024

Family Relations

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ObjectiveThe aim was to explore the experiences of growing up with a sibling with depression from the perspective of emerging adult siblings.BackgroundGrowing up with a sibling who experiences depression profoundly impacts the personal lives of emerging adults. This study addresses a research gap by delving into the unique experiences of these emerging adult siblings.MethodsUtilizing a qualitative‐phenomenological approach, we examined the experiences of 25 emerging adults (aged 18–29) who had lived with a depressed sibling during adolescence. In‐depth, semistructured interviews were conducted. Data collection continued until concept saturation. Thematic analysis was employed.ResultsWe identified two central themes in the participants' experiences. In the first theme, significant challenges were illuminated within the parent–child relationship, marked by frustration, the assumption of parental roles, emotional disconnect, and hindrances to personal growth. The second theme pertained to the implications of their sibling's depression on the emerging adults' personal lives, resulting in sacrifices, emotional turmoil, and a sense of responsibility. Participants also exhibited resilience, empathy, and personal growth.ConclusionsThis research illuminates the nuanced dynamics among emerging adults with depressed siblings, underscoring the need for tailored interventions that support both caregiving responsibilities and personal development. Incorporating sibling perspectives into clinical practice can enhance intervention strategies and promote well‐being.ImplicationsThese findings underscore the need for personalized support that enables emerging adults to balance caregiving for their depressed siblings with their own personal growth, with a focus on fostering family communication and resilience.

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Siblings’ Role Positions and Perceptions of Mental Illness

Cited by 4 publications

References 44 publications

Experiences and needs of adult informal carers of adults at risk of suicide: A systematic review with mixed methods analysis

Experiences and needs of adult informal carers of adults at risk of suicide: A systematic review with mixed methods analysis

Growing up with a sibling with depression: A qualitative study in Israel

The experience of growing up with a sibling who has depression from emerging adults' perspectives

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