Bridging Disciplinary Boundaries (January 11 - 14, 2007)

Purpose: Research suggests the influence of supportive relationships outside of the family positively influence the quality of life of adults with schizophrenia. However, most people with schizophrenia do not marry and have limitations to their friendships. As a result, relationships with family members, most importantly parents and siblings, are likely to serve as a main source of social support for adults with schizophrenia. The purpose of this study was to determine if sibling relationship quality predicts the quality of life of adults with schizophrenia when controlling for variables that have an empirically established relationship with quality of life.

Methods. The data come from a large scale NIMH funded longitudinal study of aging families of adults with schizophrenia. Mothers were asked to identify the sibling who would most likely be involved in the care of their brother or sister with schizophrenia when the parents became disabled or died. Letters were sent to 192 siblings, and 145 (75.5%) agreed to participate. Of the 160 adults with schizophrenia approached about the study, 148 (92.5%) completed the questionnaire. In total, 93 sibling pairs completed questionnaires.

Results: A regression analysis examining the influence of sibling relationship quality on quality of life of adults with schizophrenia revealed that stronger sibling bonds as well as having a confidant outside of the family promoted higher quality of life for adults with schizophrenia. Adults with schizophrenia who reported having higher levels of psychiatric symptoms reported a lower quality of life.

Implications: These findings reinforce the importance of training mental health providers to work with clients in strengthening their relationships with their siblings, as the quality of this relationship, much like other friendships, enhances the quality of life of adults with mental illness.