Adult Well Siblings: A Phenomenological Investigation of Their Experiences
Date of Award
6-18-2009
Document Type
Undergraduate Capstone Project
Degree Name
Psy.D.
Organizational Unit
Graduate School of Professional Psychology
First Advisor
Judith Fox
Second Advisor
Jennifer Cornish
Third Advisor
Teresa Simoneau
Abstract
In this qualitative study, a phenomenological approach was used to investigate the impact of growing up with a chronically ill sibling. Each subject participated in an interview focused on past, present, and future reflections of being a well sibling with regard to perceived role in their family, coping mechanisms, strengths derived from the experience, and ideas about how circumstances may have been improved while growing up. Interview analysis illuminated four themes: well sibling experience as infused into life narrative; the diagnostic context as it impacts the family's coping; appreciation of one's own health; and desire to have had more information about/more involvement with the sibling's illness. Implications for mental health practice with adult well siblings are identified and discussed.
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.
Recommended Citation
Sofer, Keren L., "Adult Well Siblings: A Phenomenological Investigation of Their Experiences" (2009). Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects. 263.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/capstone_masters/263