| Summary: | Mental illnesses are one of the most widespread conditions that affect universal health,
and according to a variety of viewpoints, the family plays an important role in the
development and continuation of psychopathology. In particular, a family member’s
perceptions of mental illness are important for understanding and intervening in family
systems. The diagnosis of schizophrenia often results in devastation, which is
experienced by both the person who is mentally ill, as well as the entire family. Of the
family members, the most vulnerable and most affected, have been identified to be
siblings, thus sibling relationships are substantially affected by such a diagnosis.
However this area has received very little attention in previous research. Thus, this
study is aimed to contribute to this area of knowledge by utilising a qualitative
approach. Interviews were conducted with individuals who had siblings with
schizophrenia. The interviews focused on experiences of the sibling relationship as it is
affected by schizophrenia. Thematic content analysis of participants’ narratives
revealed central themes of factors that impact the relationship, including the
redefinition of the family, adjustment, the impact of schizophrenia and interaction with
service providers. The theory underlying the understanding of these themes is based
upon a developmental and family systemic theoretical framework which was especially
beneficial as it focuses on the family as being a transactional system in which
individual family members relate reciprocally. The results of this research suggested
that various factors affected the sibling relationship. Of these factors, the participant’s
understanding of the schizophrenia diagnosis proved to be an especially important
factor as it seemed to impact upon the other factors. Significantly, the redefinition of
roles that occurred within the family was of importance, as this too impacted upon the
sibling relationship.
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