Date of Award
2006
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Psychology
Abstract
The well siblings of children with chronic diseases are often overlooked by treatment providers. A retrospective qualitative approach was used to explore the childhood and adult experiences of well siblings of people with Type-I Diabetes. The participants were over 18-years-old, lived in the Midwest, and were raised with a sibling with Type-I Diabetes. A number of themes emerged from the data. The participants tended to utilize solution-focused, action-oriented coping strategies, for example, caretaking and increasing their knowledge about the disease. Stressors included experiencing the ill siblings' mood swings, a concern about their siblings' health, as well as a concern for their own health. Participants viewed themselves and their siblings as "normal" and not different from the average population. Family support and aspects of family life were also discussed by the participants; for example, most of the families openly communicated about the disease. In addition to these themes the participants provided advice for other well siblings, parents, and helping professionals.
Recommended Citation
Cadick, Amber Lee, "Well Siblings Of Children With Type-I Diabetes" (2006). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1116.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/1116