Siblings of the chronically mentally ill: How are they affected and what variables may alter the effects?

Abstract

Seventeen well siblings of chronically mentally ill (CMI) individuals were studied to examine effects associated with having a CMI sibling and factors associated with variations in effects. The respondents were largely better-educated, white, middle class, and age 21 years or older, recruited through a local family support group, and an acute care mental health facility. A self-report questionnaire was developed for use in this study utilizing a Likert scale for standardization. Areas of focus were self-esteem, relationships, and emotional and financial burden. All areas except self-esteem showed some negative effects. The main concerns identified were a "Don't Talk" attitude about mental illness, active mourning, fear of having a CMI offspring, and future financial responsibility. Differences in effects were observed between groups by gender, birth-order, likeness (same sex/opposite sex), and proximity. Diagnosis and level of functioning also appeared to be associated with variations in effects.