The Impact of First-Episode Psychosis on the Sibling Relationship

Abstract

Objective: Research and clinical practice in first-episode psychosis (FEP) has predominantly focused on parents and partners and has neglected siblings needs. This study aims to characterize the sibling relationship in FEP and to examine the illness-related variables that influence this relationship. Method: Survey methodology explored the experience of 157 siblings during the first 18 months of their brother or sister’s treatment. The Adult Sibling Relationship Questionnaire was used to measure the warmth, conflict, and rivalry within the relationship. A series of multivariate regression analyses were conducted to determine the relationship between illness characteristics and sibling relationship. Results: When the young person experiencing FEP had a period of untreated psychosis longer than six months, required more than one hospital admission, had persisting psychotic symptoms, continued to use substances, and/or had a history of physical violence, warmth within the sibling relationship deteriorated. Regression analysis revealed that a history of violence was a significant predictor of the warmth, conflict, and rivalry within the sibling relationship. Suicide attempts were a significant predictor of conflict. Conclusions: This study has established associations between the sibling relationship and illness-related variables. This study promotes consideration of the importance of including siblings in early intervention. Given the powerful role this relationship can have as a protective factor, this study could inform future interventions involving siblings.

The authors wish to thank the study participants for their invaluable contributions to this research and the CR Roper Fellowship, University of Melbourne (Dr. Alvarez-Jimenez).

Additional information

Funding

The authors report no additional financial or other affiliation relevant to the subject of the article.

Notes on contributors

Siann Bowman

Siann Bowman, PhD candidate, is affiliated with La Trobe University, School of Allied Health, Department of Occupational Therapy, in Bendigo and Melbourne. Mario Alvarez-Jimenez, PhD, and Patrick McGorry are affiliated with the Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, in Melbourne. Linsey Howie, PhD, is affiliated with La Trobe University, School of Allied Health, Department of Occupational Therapy, in Melbourne. Darryl Wade, PhD, is affiliated with the Australian Centre for Post Traumatic Mental Health, University of Melbourne, in Melbourne.

Mario Alvarez-Jimenez

Siann Bowman, PhD candidate, is affiliated with La Trobe University, School of Allied Health, Department of Occupational Therapy, in Bendigo and Melbourne. Mario Alvarez-Jimenez, PhD, and Patrick McGorry are affiliated with the Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, in Melbourne. Linsey Howie, PhD, is affiliated with La Trobe University, School of Allied Health, Department of Occupational Therapy, in Melbourne. Darryl Wade, PhD, is affiliated with the Australian Centre for Post Traumatic Mental Health, University of Melbourne, in Melbourne.

Linsey Howie

Siann Bowman, PhD candidate, is affiliated with La Trobe University, School of Allied Health, Department of Occupational Therapy, in Bendigo and Melbourne. Mario Alvarez-Jimenez, PhD, and Patrick McGorry are affiliated with the Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, in Melbourne. Linsey Howie, PhD, is affiliated with La Trobe University, School of Allied Health, Department of Occupational Therapy, in Melbourne. Darryl Wade, PhD, is affiliated with the Australian Centre for Post Traumatic Mental Health, University of Melbourne, in Melbourne.

Patrick McGorry

Siann Bowman, PhD candidate, is affiliated with La Trobe University, School of Allied Health, Department of Occupational Therapy, in Bendigo and Melbourne. Mario Alvarez-Jimenez, PhD, and Patrick McGorry are affiliated with the Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, in Melbourne. Linsey Howie, PhD, is affiliated with La Trobe University, School of Allied Health, Department of Occupational Therapy, in Melbourne. Darryl Wade, PhD, is affiliated with the Australian Centre for Post Traumatic Mental Health, University of Melbourne, in Melbourne.

Darryl Wade

Siann Bowman, PhD candidate, is affiliated with La Trobe University, School of Allied Health, Department of Occupational Therapy, in Bendigo and Melbourne. Mario Alvarez-Jimenez, PhD, and Patrick McGorry are affiliated with the Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, in Melbourne. Linsey Howie, PhD, is affiliated with La Trobe University, School of Allied Health, Department of Occupational Therapy, in Melbourne. Darryl Wade, PhD, is affiliated with the Australian Centre for Post Traumatic Mental Health, University of Melbourne, in Melbourne.