Lived experience of adolescents growing up with siblings with cognitive-motor impairments: a hermeneutic...

Understanding the lived experience of adolescents growing up with siblings with cognitive-motor impairments (CMIs) leads to the development of more effective supporting strategies for these adolescents and their families. This study aims to understand explain the lived experience of adolescents growing up with siblings with CMIs.

This is a qualitative phenomenological study with a population consisting of adolescents growing up with siblings with CMIs in Hamadan province, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through 10 semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Although six adolescents ultimately participated in the study, sampling continued until no new themes emerged, indicating that sufficient richness and depth had been achieved in exploring the phenomenon. The data were then analyzed simultaneously with each interview using Dickelman-Allen and Tanner method and MAXQDA v.18 software.

Five main themes were identified through the interpretive analysis: Abandonment (3 sub-themes), Fear of the future (2 sub-themes), Burden of unchosen responsibilities (3 sub-themes), Family disruption (2 sub-themes), and Changes in relationships and social functioning (2 sub-themes). These themes reflect the multifaceted emotional, relational, and social dimensions of adolescents' lived experiences of having a sibling with CMIs.

Adolescents growing up with siblings who have cognitive-motor impairments face unique emotional, relational, and social challenges during the already complex and crisis-filled period of adolescence. Support from families, schools, and healthcare professionals, especially nurses and psychologists, can play a vital role in helping them navigate these challenges and promote healthier development.