Sibling perception of schizophrenia: impact on relationships, roles, and health.

This descriptive field study examined the impact of schizophrenia on 30 adult siblings of patients with schizophrenia. Sibling perceptions of impact on roles, relationships, and health were investigated. Findings revealed that schizophrenia brings about changes in all relationships, but the relationship most affected was that with the ill sibling. Participants experienced grief over loss of the sibling and had difficulty maintaining the relationship. Leisure activities were influenced, as were school and work performance. A significant relationship between health and impact was found. The results of this study provide a basis for developing sibling-specific interventions.