The Unique and Complex Experience of Growing Up With a Sibling Who Exhibits Severe Challenging Behaviors in the Context of a Neurodevelopmental Disability: A Trauma-Based Study.

purposesGrowing up with a sibling who has a developmental disability (DD) is a complex experience that becomes even more challenging in the presence of severe challenging behaviors (SCBs). SCBs include behaviors that may endanger the physical and psychological integrity of both the individual and their close environment. Despite increasing research on parental experiences, the perspectives of brothers and sisters remain largely overlooked. These conditions often expose them to prolonged and repeated interpersonal harm, aligning with the context described in complex trauma theory which outlines symptoms that may arise from such environments across seven domains: affect regulation, interpersonal relationships, self-concept, cognition, behavior control, physical symptoms, and dissociation. This study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of individuals who grew up with a sibling with an DD in the context of SCBs, using complex trauma theory as a framework.

methodsEleven participants took part in two semi-structured interviews exploring both their childhood and adult lives. A directed content analysis, based on the domains of complex trauma theory, was conducted on the full interview transcripts.

resultsFindings indicate that the context described by participants shares many features with environments characterized by complex trauma. Furthermore, all seven symptom domains outlined by the theory were reflected in their narratives.

conclusionThese findings underscore the need to recognize the potentially traumatic nature of growing up in such environments and to approach brothers' and sisters' experiences through a trauma-informed lens. Greater awareness of their reality is essential to developing clinical interventions.