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The impact of perinatal brain injury on siblings: a scoping review
Mélodie Vallée1,2,3, Anne Boissel2, Mathilde Chevignard1,3,4
1Rehabilitation Department for Children with Acquired Neurological Injury, Paris Est Val de Marne Hospital (Saint Maurice Site), Saint Maurice, France.
Insights
Research on childhood perinatal brain injury (PBI) impacts on siblings is limited. Studies show significant effects on siblings' lives, highlighting the need for more research and support strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Childhood perinatal brain injury (PBI) can profoundly affect family dynamics.
- Siblings of children with PBI often experience unique challenges and altered life trajectories.
- Existing research on these sibling experiences is limited and heterogeneous.
Conclusions:
- The available research on the impact of PBI on siblings is scarce and varied.
- CP/PIMD substantially influences siblings' life trajectories.
- Further research is essential to understand these issues, explore coping mechanisms, and develop targeted support.
Purpose:
(a) To analyze the extent and nature of research available on the impact of childhood perinatal brain injury (PBI) on siblings, (b) to synthetize results in a descriptive manner.
Method:
A literature search of 4 databases was performed up to October 2023. Studies addressing issues around siblings of children with PBI, cerebral palsy (CP) or Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities (PIMD) were included. The protocol was drafted using Arksey and O'Malley's framework and the review followed PRISMA reporting guideline.
Results:
35 articles were identified and analyzed, all focused on CP/PIMD. They highlight the impact of CP/PIMD on family functioning, siblings' roles, and relationships. We grouped results in three categories: (1) impact of CP/PIMD on family functioning, (2) impact on the relationships with the person with CP/PIMD and (3) experience of CP/PIMD. Siblings' relationship with the person with CP/PIMD is particularly impacted. Siblings' trajectory and quality of life are modified. CP/PIMD cause psychological, behavioral and cognitive difficulties. Siblings report various support and ways of coping.
Conclusion:
Few and heterogeneous studies are available. CP/PIMD significantly impacts siblings' life trajectory. Further studies appear necessary to precisely analyze the issues, study coping strategies, and develop, propose and implement appropriate support for siblings.
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