Living with a sibling with Cerebral Palsy : listen to our experience : a qualitative study

Abstract

This study explores the lived experience of siblings of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). The research question it seeks to answer is: “Does having a sibling with CP affect the family? If yes, in what way?” The study takes a qualitative approach, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the data gathered from semi-structured interviews conducted with five participants - three female and two male - all of whom have a sibling who was born with CP. Eight superordinate themes were identified, namely: “The Sibling Relationship”; “Psychological Well- Being”; “Consequences of this lived experience”; “Social Relationships”; “Relevance of Sibshops”; “Communication within the Family”; “Future Concerns” and “Discrimination”. The results indicate that youngsters with CP can have both positive and negative effects on their siblings. In spite of the negative impact that the youngsters with CP may have on their siblings’ lives it was evident that the participants still take care and love their siblings dearly. These and other findings are discussed in relation to insights emerging from the literature review. The study also puts forward recommendations for practice and future research.