Primary Objective

This study explored the sibling relationship across the lifespan after acquired brain injury (ABI).

Research Design

A qualitative approach was used to explore the perspectives of siblings with ABI and uninjured siblings.

Methods and Procedures

Semi-structured interviews with 19 siblings with ABI and 20 uninjured siblings (aged 6–61 years) were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. 

Main Outcomes and Results

Four themes were identified: Living with ABI; Being normal siblings; Being part of a family; Experiencing social stigma of ABI. ABI was a traumatic event which differentiated siblings but increased understanding helped accommodate its impact. This impact was experienced within perceptions of typical sibling relationships as involving closeness and conflict. The family context shaped relationships, with parents mediating across the lifespan, while siblings’ partners and children contributed to adult sibling relationships. Finally, social stigma led to distance but also protectiveness between siblings.

Conclusions

The sibling relationship was experienced as a continually evolving source of closeness and conflict within the family context. ABI enhanced preexisting dynamics and created new dynamics, shaped by social attitudes toward ABI. Increased understanding of ABI supported closer relationships, highlighting a need for psychoeducational interventions across the lifespan.

中文翻译：

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获得性脑损伤（ABI）后的兄弟姐妹关系：具有ABI和未受伤兄弟姐妹的兄弟姐妹的观点。

主要目标

这项研究探讨了获得性脑损伤（ABI）后整个寿命的同级关系。

研究设计

使用定性方法来探索具有ABI和未受伤兄弟姐妹的兄弟姐妹的观点。

方法与程序

使用反思主题分析法，对19名ABI兄弟姐妹和20名未受伤兄弟姐妹（6-61岁）进行了半结构式访谈。 

主要结果和结果

确定了四个主题：与ABI一起生活；是正常的兄弟姐妹；成为家庭的一部分；遇到ABI的社会污名。ABI是一次创伤事件，使兄弟姐妹与众不同，但加深了解有助于缓解其影响。这种影响是在人们认为典型的兄弟姐妹关系涉及亲密关系和冲突的情况下经历的。家庭情境塑造了人际关系，父母在整个生命周期中进行调解，而兄弟姐妹的伴侣和孩子则促进了成年的兄弟姐妹关系。最后，社会的耻辱导致了兄弟姐妹之间的距离和保护。

结论

在家庭背景下，同胞关系一直是亲密关系和冲突不断发展的根源。ABI增强了先前存在的动力，并创造了新动力，这受到社会对ABI态度的影响。对ABI的更多理解支持了更紧密的关系，突显了在整个生命周期中需要进行心理教育干预的必要性。