Comparison of relationships among French adult siblings with or without schizophrenia using the ASRQ-S: mediating effect on emotional distress

Abstract Background Good sibling relationships in adulthood are known to be a protective factor for mental health. The present study examined and compared the relationships of siblings with either a healthy brother or sister or one experiencing schizophrenia. Methods In the first phase, we ran a sta...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMC psychiatry 2020-03, Vol.20 (1)
Main Authors: Plessis, Léa, Wilquin, Hélène, Pavani, Jean-Baptiste, Bouteyre, Evelyne
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Human health and pathology
Life Sciences
Psychiatrics and mental health
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Abstract Background Good sibling relationships in adulthood are known to be a protective factor for mental health. The present study examined and compared the relationships of siblings with either a healthy brother or sister or one experiencing schizophrenia. Methods In the first phase, we ran a statistical comparison of the two sibling groups on the quality of their sibling relationships (warmth, conflict, and rivalry), emotional distress, and self-esteem. In the second phase, we looked at whether the quality of the sibling relationship modifies the impact of having a brother or sister with schizophrenia on emotional distress and self-esteem. Results Results showed that sibling relationships in schizophrenia are less warm and are characterized by heightened rivalry and conflict. In addition, analysis revealed a mediating effect of sibling relationship on the emotional distress of siblings with a brother/sister diagnosed with schizophrenia. Conclusion More needs to be done to enhance the mental health of adults who have a brother or sister with schizophrenia, notably via their sibling relationships.
ISSN:1471-244X
1471-244X
DOI:10.1186/s12888-020-02510-6