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Understanding the experiences and service needs of siblings of individuals with first‐episode psychosis: a phenomenological study
Author(s) -
Sin Jacqueline,
Moone Nicki,
Harris Paul,
Scully Elizabeth,
Wellman Nigel
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
early intervention in psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.087
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1751-7893
pISSN - 1751-7885
DOI - 10.1111/j.1751-7893.2011.00300.x
Subject(s) - brother , sister , psychology , psychosis , sibling , coping (psychology) , interpretative phenomenological analysis , intervention (counseling) , psychological resilience , focus group , qualitative research , psychiatry , developmental psychology , clinical psychology , psychotherapist , social science , sociology , anthropology , marketing , business
Background: Despite recent focus on developing family‐inclusive services to meet the needs of young people with first‐episode psychosis, the needs of their siblings are often overlooked. Aims: This study explored the experiences and needs of siblings of young adults with first‐episode psychosis receiving support from two Early Intervention in Psychosis Services in South‐East England. Methods: Thirty‐one siblings aged 11–35 years, were given a semi‐structured interview to gather their perspectives and accounts of their lived experiences. The resultant rich qualitative data was analysed using responsive‐reader and framework methods. Results: Six themes were identified: siblings' roles and involvement; emotions; impact on relationships; coping patterns; resilience; and siblings' service needs. Conclusion: All participants had been greatly affected by the onset of the psychosis in their brother or sister. Most siblings did not identify themselves as carers, although most played a significant part in their brother's or sister's life. Participants wanted dynamic, robust and accessible services, especially information and peer support to meet their needs.