ERIC Number: EJ805532
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0360-7283
EISSN: N/A
Risk and Protective Influences in the Lives of Siblings of Youths with Spina Bifida
Bellin, Melissa H.; Kovacs, Pamela J.; Sawin, Kathleen J.
Health & Social Work, v33 n3 p199-209 2008
The impact of childhood chronic health conditions like spina bifida (SB) is a shared family experience. However, the lived experience of siblings is not well known. One hundred and fifty-five brothers and sisters of a child with SB responded to an open-ended question included in an anonymous self-administered mail questionnaire designed to enhance awareness of how adolescent siblings experience this chronic condition. Content analysis performed by interdisciplinary authors identified four domains--Rewards and Consequences of Spina Bifida, Journey Toward Acceptance of Spina Bifida, Emotional Climate of Siblings, and Qualities of the Social Environment--that depict emotional complexity in response to the diverse risk and protective influences present in the lives of siblings. By bolstering the siblings' strengths and resources found in their adaptive coping mechanisms, spirituality, cohesive family ties, and supportive peer friendships, social workers and other health care professionals may help them to successfully navigate the intense and confusing emotions that may naturally spring from the challenges and opportunities associated with SB.
Descriptors: Siblings, Congenital Impairments, Adolescents, Coping, Content Analysis, Social Environment, Social Work, Disabilities, Sibling Relationship, Family Environment, Questionnaires, Emotional Response, Social Influences, Personality Traits, Religion, Family Relationship, Peer Relationship, Friendship, Caseworkers, Health Personnel
National Association of Social Workers (NASW). 750 First Street NE Suite 700, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-227-3590; e-mail: press@naswdc.org; Web site: http://www.naswpress.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A