Siblings' Perceptions of Support Post Brain Injury
When a child sustains an acquired brain injury the entire family is affected by the ongoing sequelae of that injury. Research has indicated that siblings may be at risk of adjustment problems (Youngblut et al 2000; Montgomery et al 2002). Despite the recognition of issues for siblings research reveals that their needs are not routinely considered by health professionals. The need to provide support for siblings is well documented in the disability literature. Identification of the support needs of siblings has been largely drawn from studies which surveyed parents and health professionals. Few
studies have involved siblings. In 2004 South West Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service were successful in attracting a grant from the Motor Accident Authority of NSW to conduct a study to explore the perceptions of siblings around the provision and value of support they have received.
Study Objectives:
1. Gain an understanding of the experience of siblings of children with ABI in relation to provision of support.
2. Identify supportive strategies seen as valuable by siblings of children with an
acquired brain injury. The study utilised a multimethod design. Data was gathered in two stages using semi structured interviews and questionnaires.
Participants were teenage siblings of children with an ABI who had received services from paediatric brain injury workers in NSW. The resulting study is being undertaken at the time of submission of this abstract. Results will be discussed in light of their implications for the ongoing development of services for siblings of children with an acquired brain injury. The information drawn from this study will include specific recommendations around providing support for siblings in a way that is most beneficial,
attractive and sustainable from the perspective of the siblings.
Montgomery, V., Oliver, R., Reisner, A. & Fallat, M. (2002). The effect of
severe traumatic brain injury on the family. Journal of Trauma: Injury,
Infection and Critical Care. 52(6)1121-1124.
Youngblut, J., Singer, L., Boyer, C., Wheatley, M., Cohen, A. & Grisoni, E.
2000, Effects of pediatric head trauma for children, parents and families.
Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America, 12(2)227-235.