Affiliations: Department of Clinical Psychology, National Spinal
Injuries Centre, Stroke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, UK | National Spinal Injuries Centre, Stroke Mandeville
Hospital, Aylesbury, UK
Note: [] Corresponding author: Paul Kennedy, Department of Clinical
Psychology, National Spinal Injuries Centre, Stoke Mandeville Hospital,
Aylesbury, Bucks HP21 8AL, UK. Tel.: +44 1296 315822; Fax: +44 1296 315823;
E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Spinal cord injury is a life transforming condition that is thought
to have an impact on the entire family of the affected individual. The needs
and psychological outcomes of siblings of children with spinal cord injury
(SCI) have not been researched. The current study focuses on the experiences of
children living with a brother or sister with SCI. Eight participants (4 male,
4 female) aged between 7 and 18 years were interviewed using a semi-structured
interview, concentrating on their unique experiences and understandings of
having a brother or sister with SCI. The qualitative method of Interpretative
Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyze the data and three main
themes were identified: "Life interrupted", "What about me?" and "My
safety net". Results are discussed in relation to attachment and coping and
adjustment theories. The discussion also highlights the clinical implications
for siblings and parents of children affected by SCI, and for professionals who
work within pediatric SCI settings.
