The lived experiences of siblings of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia

Abstract

Background: Schizophrenia is a severe, progressive and chronic mental illness where symptoms result in profound impairments that affect the reality and the perception of the individual. The consequences and challenges that revolve around schizophrenia also have immense influences on the extant family, and preceding studies characteristically focused on first-degree relatives, that are typically parents. Regrettably, there is a dearth of literature that focuses on the impact that schizophrenia has on healthy siblings. Aim: To explore how the phenomenon of schizophrenia was perceived and experienced by the healthy sibling. Moreover, this study hopes to unearth an insight on the impact related to the quality of life of the healthy sibling. Design: A qualitative approach following the philosophies of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Methods: Recruitment of participants consisted of a purposive sample. Data collection was carried out through face-to-face semi-structured interviews that lasted approximately 40-50 minutes. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Analysis of data followed the principles of IPA. Results: Three group experiential themes emerged from the analysis of data; ‘The Challenges of Meaning Making’, ‘A Natural Impulse of Responsibility’ and ‘The Constant Battle Towards Acceptance’. Conclusions: The conclusions of this study established that an evolvement in the sibling-caring relationship was a prominent factor. The conclusions also unearthed profound difficulties associated with meaning making and general understanding of the illness and diagnosis. Consequently, profound feelings related to uncertainty, denial and perceived stigma were also established.