David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Good Sibling Relationships Improve Outcome in Schizophrenia
January 8, 2008
A new research study published this month in the journal, Psychiatric Services, discusses certain factors which may affect the quality of sibling relationships for people who suffer from schizophrenia.
Specifically, the findings of the study suggest that the quality of the relationships with their siblings may affect the lives of adults who suffer from schizophrenia. The data for the study were obtained from a longitudinal study which examined 136 siblings in families of adults who suffer from schizophrenia.
The researchers discovered that siblings of adult sufferers of schizophrenia had a reportedly higher quality relationship with their mentally ill sibling if they were raised in a "cohesive family environment...and when they experienced more personal gains from coping with the challenges of a brother's or sister's mental illness."
However, people had reportedly worse relationships with their mentally ill siblings if they viewed symptoms of their siblings' illness as being controllable (by the person who had schizophrenia). The researchers conclude, "...the quality of the sibling relationship is a major contributor to sibling involvement in the future and to the quality of life of adults with schizophrenia."
Our take on this study is that people who have schizophrenia are going to do better when the brothers and sisters understand that the person who has schizophrenia is not acting or thinking strangely on purpose - but its part of the mental illness that they have no control over. This would seem reasonable - as the person who is ill then would get empathy, rather than hassles or confrontations. From what we've seen discussed in our support forums - this is exactly what families experience.
Source: Factors Contributing to the Quality of Sibling Relationships for Adults With Schizophrenia. Matthew J. Smith, Ph.D., M.S.W. and Jan S. Greenberg, Ph.D. (Psychiatric Services)
January 8, 2008
A new research study published this month in the journal, Psychiatric Services, discusses certain factors which may affect the quality of sibling relationships for people who suffer from schizophrenia.
Specifically, the findings of the study suggest that the quality of the relationships with their siblings may affect the lives of adults who suffer from schizophrenia. The data for the study were obtained from a longitudinal study which examined 136 siblings in families of adults who suffer from schizophrenia.
The researchers discovered that siblings of adult sufferers of schizophrenia had a reportedly higher quality relationship with their mentally ill sibling if they were raised in a "cohesive family environment...and when they experienced more personal gains from coping with the challenges of a brother's or sister's mental illness."
However, people had reportedly worse relationships with their mentally ill siblings if they viewed symptoms of their siblings' illness as being controllable (by the person who had schizophrenia). The researchers conclude, "...the quality of the sibling relationship is a major contributor to sibling involvement in the future and to the quality of life of adults with schizophrenia."
Our take on this study is that people who have schizophrenia are going to do better when the brothers and sisters understand that the person who has schizophrenia is not acting or thinking strangely on purpose - but its part of the mental illness that they have no control over. This would seem reasonable - as the person who is ill then would get empathy, rather than hassles or confrontations. From what we've seen discussed in our support forums - this is exactly what families experience.
Source: Factors Contributing to the Quality of Sibling Relationships for Adults With Schizophrenia. Matthew J. Smith, Ph.D., M.S.W. and Jan S. Greenberg, Ph.D. (Psychiatric Services)
