28 Childhood Burn Injuries: The Uninjured Sibling Perspective

Abstract

Abstract Introduction When considering burn-injured children as part of a larger family unit, it is expected their injury will stress the system; yet the focus has mainly been on the injured child and treated as incidental for the family. Though research on the family is evolving, less is known from the uninjured sibling perspective. Sibling relationships have a unique impact on development. This study aimed to understand the experience of growing up with a burn-injured sibling in childhood, with attention to how identity was shaped. Acquiring knowledge from uninjured siblings will facilitate a more integrative understanding and holistic approach to aid families. Thus, this exploratory study fills a gap by engaging the uninjured sibling’s perspective with implications for program enhancement/development. Methods Narrative inquiry was utilized to explicate the narratives of adults who grew up with a burn-injured sibling in childhood via semi-structured interviews (N=7). The research questions were: 1) What are the experiences, or stories, of identified adults whose sibling experienced a burn injury? 2) What do the narratives of identified adults whose sibling experienced a burn injury reveal about how their identities were shaped? 3) What are the implications for program/service development and/or enhancement elucidated by identified adults whose sibling experienced a burn injury? A purposeful criterion sampling method was used, but challenges accessing participants resulted in sequential and emergence-driven strategies. Participants’ self-identified as Caucasian (n=7), female (n=4), and male (n=3). Age ranged from 20 to 57 (M=33.14, SD=14.32) at the time of the interview and 0 to 13 (M=5.25, SD=4.25) at the time of their siblings’ injury. Interviews queried the burn incident, family relations, communication, and support received. Riessman’s thematic approach to narrative inquiry was employed for analysis. Results Findings supported five themes: 1) separation and alternative caregiving, 2) altered interactions and ambivalent roles, 3) (r)evolving emotional pain, 4) communication concerns, and 5) identity through autobiographical reasoning. The data suggest uninjured siblings have their own unique narratives that have failed to be acknowledged in research and practice, though identity clarity and meaning-making were articulated in their reflections. Moreover, findings support consideration of many experiences as a primary trauma. Conclusions The needs of uninjured siblings—specifically related to inclusion, identity, and resource acquisition—should be addressed to mitigate the impact of burn trauma. The family system remains a critical area for research and program enhancement/development. Applicability of Research to Practice Findings can contribute to program planning for the family with increased attention to the uninjured sibling’s experience and concern for their specific needs.