Meeting Needs? An Evaluation of a Support Group for Siblings of Disabled Children

A. Naylor, P. Prescott

    Research output: Contribution to conferencePaper

    Abstract

    Objectives: There were three main objectives: to respond to families highlighting a need for sibling support; to establish need and response from the siblings; and to reflect on the direct experience and feelings of the siblings. Design: The qualitative study ulitised an individual interview approach. Method: Seven siblings of disabled children took part in the sibling support group, whose families were registered with project within Barnados. The age range was from eight to 12 years, with a mixture of males and females. All of the children had siblings with a learning disability. Openended semi-structured interview questions were used to interview the participants on three different occasions over a course of five months. The questions varied on each occasion applicable to the purpose of the interview. Analysis: Thematic analysis was used to highlight emergent themes and trends within the participant’s answers and was carried out through open coding by breaking down, examining, comparing, conceptualising and categorising data in a line-by-line analysis. Analysis revealed shifting emotions and perceptions of themselves, their place in the family and their disabled sibling throughout attending the support group. Conclusions: The most significant outcome of this project is the real establishment of need on the part of the siblings, with the siblings themselves directing the group to one of a more therapeutic focus. Suggestions for further support for siblings of disabled children are highlighted including individual counselling opportunities.
    Original languageEnglish
    Publication statusPublished - 2004
    EventBritish Psychological Society (BPS) Annual Conference - London, United Kingdom
    Duration: 1 Apr 2004 → …

    Conference

    ConferenceBritish Psychological Society (BPS) Annual Conference
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    CityLondon
    Period1/04/04 → …

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