Growing up with a sibling with dwarfism: perceptions of adult non‐dwarf siblings

Abstract

Despite the fact that society seems to have become more tolerant towards human diversity, skeletal dysplasia still carries some extent of stigmatization and negative stereotyping. There seems to be a lack of knowledge regarding psychosocial factors associated with skeletal dysplasia, specifically as it relates to interpersonal relationships. Since the negative attention directed at individuals with dwarfism may also have an impact on family members and family relationships, the aim of this qualitative study was to explore adult non‐dwarf siblings' experiences of growing up with siblings with a skeletal dysplasia. Thematic analyses of semi‐structured interviews with four adult non‐dwarf siblings confirmed both negative and positive effects. These effects were evident in childhood and continued into adulthood. For the adults who took part in this study, the positive effects seemed to be more profound.

Keywords:

• dwarfism
• skeletal dysplasia
• siblings
• sibling relationships
• adulthood
• disability

Notes

1. This research was carried out in Johannesburg, South Africa, and was completed as part of the second author's master's dissertation under the supervision of the first author.