The realities of problem‐solving for emerging‐adult siblings of individuals with schizophrenia

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveThis researchers examined how emerging‐adult siblings of people with schizophrenia navigate problem‐solving and decision‐making.BackgroundNavigating more complex problems is a critical part of emerging adult development, although it can be complicated by stress, conflict, lack of self‐efficacy, and lack of family support. Understanding the development of problem‐solving and decision‐making of emerging‐adult siblings of people with schizophrenia development of these key competencies can aid in understanding how they navigate adulthood while contending with a stressful family environment.MethodIn‐depth interviews with 23 individuals between 18 and 30 years of age were conducted to explore problem‐solving, decision‐making, and family relationships.ResultsFindings suggest that participants who had supportive family or romantic relationships felt as if they were able to resolve their problems. They were likely to use cognitive strategies or advice from other people to resolve their issues. Participants who experienced a lack of support appeared to have more difficulty problem‐solving and decision‐making.ConclusionEmerging‐adult siblings of individuals with schizophrenia who had adequate family or spousal/partner support reported being more successful in formulating a problem‐solving strategy than participants as opposed to those who felt more isolated.ImplicationsThe study has implications for future researchers, such as the examination of other developmental stages and the need to examine why some emerging‐adult siblings were able to develop supportive romantic relationships more easily than participants who had similarly conflictual or ambivalent familial relationships.