The Impact of Youth Mental Health Problems on Siblings: A Qualitative Study
The relationships we have with our siblings can be complex at the best of times. We may be allies, adversaries, friends, or rivals – or a mixture of all four. Whilst sibling dynamics can be challenging for all, the picture becomes more complicated when a young person’s brother or sister is struggling with their mental health. With one in five 8–16-year-olds in the UK estimated to have a probable mental disorder, and a record number of young people being referred for mental health support, the effect of youth mental health problems on siblings is ever-growing.
As discussed by McGrath et al., when a young person is admitted to an inpatient unit (IPU) for psychiatric treatment, there is an emotional and psychological effect on the whole family. Not only are parents placed under a huge amount of stress, but the wellbeing of siblings is also likely to be negatively impacted. Yet despite this negative impact, relatively little research has explored the issue. McGrath et al. addressed this gap, taking a qualitative approach to explore how young people make sense of their experiences at the time of their siblings’ hospitalisation, identifying their needs and making suggestions as to how these may be met.
Methods
Ten participants aged 13-22 years, whose sibling was currently or recently a resident in a mental health IPU, were recruited. Participants took part in semi-structured interviews that followed a topic guide. This consisted of open-ended questions, allowing participants the space to explore their experiences before, during, and after their siblings’ hospitalisation. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyze the data, recognizing humans as active agents with individual interpretations of their experiences.
Results
All participants were Irish and Caucasian, with an average age of 17 years. The participants’ siblings had an average age of 17 years old and were predominantly diagnosed with depression and anxiety. The researchers identified two super-ordinate themes and five sub-ordinate themes common across all interviews. The themes emphasized the influence of their sibling’s mental health on participants’ identities and the challenges faced in supporting their sibling.
Conclusions
Siblings of young people hospitalised for mental health problems experience a variety of different emotions, ranging from guilt and powerlessness to anxiety and fear. The study concluded that siblings’ desire for knowledge and practical advice should be met by IPUs, but this should be done carefully to avoid overwhelming them. The research shed light on an under-researched area and provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners.
Strengths and Limitations
The study’s use of IPA enabled rich insight into how young people experience their siblings’ hospitalization. Detailed reporting of procedure and reflexive practices make the study methodologically sound. However, demographic information about participants’ mental health was lacking, leaving unanswered questions about their own struggles.
