[Brothers of children with a neurological disease: difficulties and affective needs. Study of a clinical sample]
U Balottin1, C Termine, M Quadrelli
1Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Insubria, Macchi Foundation Hospital, Varese, Italy.
Introduction:
Feelings of envy and jealousy among brothers belonging to families with a child affected by a chronic neuromotor impairment have rarely been studied and literature on this subject is sparce. The interest of this work arises in particular from our experience with families and children suffering from this kind of disability.
Aims Of The Study:
The individuation of frequency and characteristics of overt or "hidden" emotional problems in brothers of handicapped children. Needs of the handicapped child lead to the partial disinvestment of the "healthy" one. We therefore focused our attention on the defensive mechanisms involved.
Method:
The work was carried out in the Rehabilitation Unit of our Department of Child Neuropsychiatry. We selected all the families in which a son exhibited severe neuromotor impairment, and we proposed some sessions with the parents and the healthy children. Only 10 families with 11 children accepted these sessions. We asked the other families to fill-in the Achenbach checklist (CBCL). Assessment of the 11 children seen was made with talks, drawing and playing sessions, and with an interview of the parents at the beginning and at the end of the sessions.
Results:
We present the data of 33 CBCL filled-in and returned and of 11 psychodiagnostic observations. The CBCL showed 6 pathological and 5 borderline (with high psychopathological risk) total T scores. Among the 11 clinically observed children, 4 revealed a relevant psychopathological profile, so an individual psychotherapeutic therapy was proposed. These children expressed their emotional problems by difficult peer relationships, attention and concentration deficits and failure at school. Moreover, we found a significant correlation between a relevant child psychopathology, the fragile personality structure of the parents, and problems in the parental couple.
Conclusions:
These data stress the importance that must be given to emotional problems of handicapped children's brothers. Very often these children aren't able to express these problems, because either the parents' mental space is full of fears for the sick child's prognosis and care, and their "free" time is filled with hospitalisations, check-ups and rehabilitation. Our experience shows that giving attention and space for thoughts encourages emotional and relational movements, with a transforming value that leads to enhanced integration of emotional experiences.
Insights
Siblings of children with chronic neuromotor impairments often experience emotional difficulties, including behavioral issues and academic struggles. Addressing these hidden problems is crucial for their well-being and integration.
Area of Science:
- Child Neuropsychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
- Family Studies
Context:
- Limited research exists on siblings of children with chronic neuromotor impairments.
- Families with a disabled child often experience unique stressors impacting all members.
- The emotional needs of healthy siblings can be overlooked due to the focus on the impaired child.
Purpose:
- To identify the frequency and nature of emotional problems in siblings of children with chronic neuromotor impairments.
- To explore the defensive mechanisms employed by these siblings.
- To understand the impact of parental focus on the impaired child on the well-being of healthy siblings.
Summary:
- A study involving 33 siblings of children with chronic neuromotor impairments utilized the Achenbach checklist (CBCL) and psychodiagnostic observations.
- Results indicated significant psychopathological risks, with 6 total T scores being pathological and 5 borderline.
- Four observed siblings exhibited relevant psychopathology, manifesting as peer relationship difficulties, attention deficits, and academic failure, correlating with parental fragility and couple issues.
Impact:
- Highlights the critical need to address the emotional health of siblings of chronically impaired children.
- Suggests that providing dedicated attention and space for these siblings can foster emotional expression and integration.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering the entire family system when supporting children with disabilities.
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