Sibling Experiences after a Major
Childhood Burn Injury
Carlee Lehna
The purpose of this research project was to understand, primarily from the sibling
perspective, the effect of a child's major burn injury on his or her sibling. A mixed
method qualitative dominant design was implemented using the life story method
for the qualitative portion. Additionally, the Sibling Relationship Questionnaire -
Revised (SRQ-R) was used as a structured interview guide and for calculating
scoring data to explore sibling relationship factors of warmth/closeness, rivalry,
conflict, and relative status/power. Participants from 22 family cases (one or multiple
family members) and 40 individuals were interviewed. To capture impact on
the family over time, interviews began a minimum of two years post-burn. The central
thematic pattern for the sibling relationship in families having a child with a
major burn injury was that of normalization. Two components of normalization
were described: areas of normalization and the process of adjustment. Areas of
normalization were found in play and other activities, in school and work, and in
family relations with siblings. The process of adjustment was varied and often
gradual, involved school and work re-entry, and in some instances, seemed to
change life perspective. Clinical implications in providing family-centered care can
focus on promoting normalization by assessing and supporting siblings who may
only be occasionally seen in the hospital or clinic. |