<p> The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand how siblings of individuals with schizophrenia understand the symptoms and problems that an individual diagnosed with schizophrenia experiences. Although there is, as of yet, no consensual model of normalcy or of psychopathology, models are important because they have implications for clinical practice. In regards to schizophrenia specifically, clinicians and researchers have asserted the importance of the family in the development and course of the disorder. Siblings may offer a unique viewpoint as they may experience or have experienced sub-clinical schizophrenia-related symptoms themselves. </p><p> Five individuals who have a sibling diagnosed with schizophrenia were interviewed about how they conceptualize their siblings’ experiences and problems. The interviews were analyzed with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. A total of sixteen emergent themes from the interviews are discussed, some of which include very different, still the same; struggle to understand; “that thing;” “vigilant, careful, cautious;” still love and care; and alienation from self and others. Several components of the themes indicate that participants had both a categorical and a dimensional model of their siblings’ problems. Future research regarding gaining a greater understanding of how people conceptualize the problems and experiences of those diagnosed with schizophrenia and clinical applications are also discussed. </p><p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:10750967 |
| Date | 24 April 2018 |
| Creators | Chin, Sammantha |
| Publisher | Roosevelt University |
| Source Sets | ProQuest.com |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
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