Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors of an Adolescent with a Disabled Sibling: Qualitative Analysis

Received: 15-Nov-2022, Manuscript No. CSRP-23-85410; Editor assigned: 18-Nov-2022, Pre QC No. CSRP-23-85410(PQ); Reviewed: 02-Dec-2022, QC No. CSRP-23-85410; Revised: 30-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. CSRP-23-85410(R); Published: 27-Apr-2023, DOI: 10.3371/CSRP.MGGM.042723

Introduction

Healthy lifestyle behaviors that emerge over time with the acquisition of health behaviors include continuous actions that are acquired during childhood and continue throughout adulthood, with physical, mental and social effects. Among the environmental factors that are effective in the acquisition and maintenance of healthy lifestyle behaviors in adolescents, the family factor has an important place [1].

Positive effects of strong healthy lifestyle behaviors in adolescents; health responsibility, self-development initiatives, active movement, health supporting nutrition, self-actualization, stress management and strengthening in interpersonal communication. Healthy lifestyle behaviors are the behavior that emerges as a result of the goals of promoting health and is pursued with the goal of preventing illness and protection from diseases and the resulting healthy lifestyle behaviors are the actions that are acquired through the formation of identity in adolescence and continued in adulthood. Having a disabled sibling, together with the sense of responsibility in the care of the sibling of the adolescents, causes stressful, consuming and obstructive changes on their individual lives. In daily life, they are interested in meeting the physical needs of their siblings, active movement, strengthening communication channels, supporting their education, socializing and meeting their play needs. The fact that one of the family members has a disability, the continuation of dependent/ semi-dependent care, deterioration in family processes, role confusion and the responsibility of healthy adolescent siblings in the care of their disabled siblings creates a stressful, obstructive and restrictive family system for adolescents in the development of selfefficacy. The attitude of the family in this process, the management of stressors and the way healthy adolescents participate in this process are effective in the development of healthy lifestyle behavior of adolescents who are in the process of gaining identity. With the literature review, it has been determined that the studies in this field are insufficient and the literature will be supported with the study. In addition, a study was conducted on the development of healthy lifestyle behaviors of healthy adolescent siblings of disabled children who benefited from rehabilitation centers for the first time in Mugla. According to the results of the study, it is planned to provide trainings to the adolescents and their families in the province of Mugla, who participated in the study and who have a need for education on healthy lifestyle development, to improve the healthy lifestyle of adolescents.

Purpose of the study

Considering that the presence of a disabled sibling in the family has an effect on the functionality of the family and the roles and responsibilities of the members, this study was conducted to examine the effect on the healthy lifestyle behaviors of healthy adolescents in the family. This study focuses on adolescents who have a disabled sibling and the effects of having a disabled sibling on healthy lifestyle behaviors [2].

Materials and Methods

The research was carried out with reference to a rehabilitation center affiliated to the provincial national education in Mugla. There are approximately 150 children registered in this centre. The research started with the reference person from this center and reached 10 families with the snowball method. Participants feature was given in Table 1.

The sample size was determined using the snowball/chain sampling method. The study was carried out with individuals who were reached with the recommendation of the reference person selected by the institution.

Inclusion criteria of the participants in the study; having a smart phone and device to make online calls, using the zoom program. Exclusion criteria of the participants from the study; wanting to leave the research during the research process, having insufficient speaking and understanding Turkish, having a mental disability [3].

The data collection process was done online. The data were collected by filling out a semi-structured interview form in a 40-minute interview using the zoom program at the scheduled time with the adolescents who volunteered to participate in the research. A total of two interviews were conducted with each child. After reaching data saturation, the interviews were terminated. Research questions are given below.

Sample topic guide (Healthy adolescent siblings):

• What does the phrase ”Healthy lifestyle behavior" mean to you?

• How is your relationship with your parents and sibling?

• Who told you that your sibling was disabled, and how did you find out about it?

• How did you feel when you first found out that your brother was a disabled person?

• How does it feel to have a disabled sibling right now?

• How has having a disabled sibling affected your life?

• Has having a sibling with a disability changed your domestic relationships?

• How has your healthy lifestyle behavior changed during this period?

• What are you doing to improve your healthy lifestyle behaviors?

Data analysis

Data analysis was done with descriptive and thematic concept analysis. The analysis of data in qualitative research consists of the steps of identification with data reduction and reduction, classification with data display or presentation, inference and verification and connection steps. The data obtained from the interview are analyzed with the descriptive analysis method. The data obtained in this method are summarized and interpreted according to the previously determined themes. The data can be arranged according to the themes revealed by the research questions. In this research, data are organized according to the themes revealed by the questions during the interview. With the thematic analysis method, the data in different themes in the study are examined in depth. The diverse ideas and meaning patterns expressed by the volunteer participants in the interviews are formulated according to the themes and analyzed and the results are verified with the literature [4].

Results

With the examination of the descriptions of the interviews with the participants participating in the research, 7 top themes and sub-themes within these themes emerged. Themes are given in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Main and sub-themes.

Taking on the role of caregiver in the sibling

The fact that the presence of a disabled child in the family dynamic is effective on the role sharing of family members stands out in the whole of the research. With this analysis, the main theme of assuming the role of caregiver in the sibling and subthemes fear: The thought of being harmed, being responsible for their needs, following development, being a role model are formed [5].

In the research, it is seen that healthy adolescent siblings intensely experience the fear of being harmed by their disabled siblings and their individual needs being responsible. These feelings are effective in adolescents taking on the caregiver role that belongs to the parents. During the interview process, it is recorded by the researcher that the adolescents take on this role and follow the development of their disabled siblings and that they experience individual emotional transition processes on this development [6].

It is observed that emotional confusion and difficulties in peer relations occur in adolescents who develop parenting role imitation. In addition, it is analyzed that adolescents follow the development of their disabled siblings on the basis of parenting role imitation, and they develop skills in the field of being responsible for their own health, which is a healthy lifestyle behavior with their role-model behaviors (Table 2).

Fear of being harmed of siblings: In the study, it is observed that the adolescents siblings adaptation skills to life outside the family are inadequate compared to their peers and they experience the fear that their siblings will be harmed due to their weakness in the face of difficulties.

Considering the statements of A1, A8, A9 and A10, it is seen that adolescents display a protective behavior towards their siblings due to the feeling of fear they experience and have difficulties in maintaining peer relations [7].

Being responsible for individual needs: In the study, it is observed that the siblings of the participants diagnosed with disabilities are responsible for their individual care needs and they direct their daily lives in line with these needs (A2, A6, A8). It is examined that the sense of responsibility in adolescents supports the acquisition of identity with its effect on the level of self-esteem and self-acceptance. In the study, the health gains of adolescents in the areas of activity/exercise, nutrition and spiritual development, where they experience an increase in health awareness, are analyzed (A8).

Follow-up of growth: In the study, it is observed that the family of healthy adolescents is in a process of change after the disabled siblings enter their lives and are diagnosed and in this process, they develop the ability to adapt to the developmental process by comparing the development of the disabled sibling with their healthy peers.

Being a role model: It is evaluated that A7, A9 and A10 regulate their nutrition and physical activity behaviors according to their disabled siblings. A1, A6, A8 positive gains in activityexercise and feeding behavior are analyzed [8].

Domestic unconditional love area

In the study, it is evaluated that healthy adolescents have a love bond with their disabled siblings and that being disabled plays an integrative role in the sibling relationship. It is analyzed that the relationship between siblings provides positive gain in stress management (Table 3).

Union forces: In this theme, the sharing of healthy adolescents with disabled siblings with their disabled siblings is discussed. In the research, it is seen that adolescents express their relationships with their disabled siblings with the concepts of power and attachment. It is evaluated that the disabled sibling strengthens the family relationship in the family relations of A7 and A10. In the interview with A1, A3, A4 and A8, it is analyzed that the disabled sibling supports the adolescents when they experience emotional turmoil and difficulties and causes emotional well-being [9].

Establishment of requirement area in family love

In the study, it is examined that the meaning that parents give to disability affects emotional sharing with children and causes deterioration in family functionality. With the deterioration of functionality, it is seen that the love needs of the adolescents are shared by their parents with their disabled siblings and the adolescent is neglected in the emotional field. It is analyzed that the continuity in the functionality of the family positively affects the emotional and social development of the adolescent (Table 4).

Deserving love: In the study, it is evaluated that the idea that siblings of adolescents who are diagnosed with disabilities by their parents need more love provides gains. It is examined that the love needs of the adolescents are ignored because they are independent to the family compared to their disabled siblings [10].

It is observed that healthy adolescents have difficulty in expressing their feelings and tend to cry emotionally in interviews.

A2, state that the emotional sharing of their parents in the family is more intense with their disabled siblings. It is observed that adolescents are quite nervous and have difficulty in expressing their feelings during the interview. It is recorded in the interviews that the adolescent A7 shares risky behaviors during the developmental stages due to the oppressive and authoritarian parental attitudes of the family, has problems in peer relations, has unbalanced and unhealthy nutrition problems and cases of neglect and abuse. It has been investigated that family attitude tends to have self-confidence problems in healthy adolescents and to risky behaviors in healthy lifestyle behaviors [11].

Adolescent A10 states that there is no deterioration in family processes due to the tolerant and reassuring parental attitude in the family. A10's shares in the interview are examined that the emotional balance offered by the parents to the children supports the positive development in the lifestyle behaviors of healthy adolescents. A positive development was achieved in the areas of activityexercise, peer relations, nutrition and spiritual development of the participant; it is observed that identity acquisition has also improved in the academic field.

Being a family dependent-independent individual: A5 makes his sharing by crying. In the research, it is observed that the emotional turmoil experienced by the adolescent causes problems in eating disorder behavior and peer relations [12].

Loneliness

In this theme, it is emphasized that healthy adolescent siblings have negative gains in their interactions within the family and in peer groups. It is analyzed that the problems of the participants in emotional and social development reveal inadequacy in the sense of trust in interpersonal relationships and communication difficulties (Table 5).

The thought of not being understanded: In the study, adolescents defend the idea that because they do not have a disabled sibling, they cannot understand the feelings of their peer groups, they do not respect their experiences and it is unnecessary to continue communication with them for this reason.

It has been studied that adolescents have difficulties in maintaining peer relationships. In the interviews, it is analyzed that the communication problems they experience with their peer groups are effective in their emotional development and that the development is related to social relations and stress management.

Desire to stay in the safe area: In the research, it is seen that A1, A8 share most of their time during the day with their disabled siblings, depending on their responsibility relationship. It is stated that adolescents who have conflicts with their peer groups in this process tend to be in the background in their interpersonal relations and they want to stay in areas that can be safe for their siblings, thinking that their peers do not understand them and they may harm their siblings. In the interview, it is interpreted that the safe space for adolescents is their individuality and the areas where their siblings are happy. It is believed that loneliness gives them the feeling that they are in a safe area [13].

In the study, it is examined that adolescents tend to be alone when they encounter stress and have difficulties in the emotional field. It is analyzed that adolescents have communication problems with their parents and peers and they experience the feeling of insecurity intensely.

Healthy living activities for accepted physical development

In the study, it is interpreted that healthy living activities are important in order to ensure social acceptance with the influence of disabled siblings, as well as the idea of selfacceptance, peer acceptance and admiration in relation to the developmental characteristics of the physical development of adolescents (Table 6).

A3 and A6 are expressions of healthy lifestyle behaviors. Adolescents associate healthy lifestyle behaviors with nutrition and physical activity.

It is interpreted that healthy lifestyle behaviors of A7 support physical development and low body mass index and height are required for accepted physical development. It is concluded that there is a positive relationship between the concept of a healthy lifestyle and the physical development of adolescents. For this reason, it is analyzed that healthy lifestyle behaviors of healthy adolescents who have a disabled sibling are behavioral development related to nutrition and physical activity.

Discussion

Having a disabled child in the family affects the functionality of the family and the role sharing in the family. The findings in the theme of taking the role of caregiver in the sibling are consistent with the literature. The presence of a disabled child provides the development of healthy siblings sense of responsibility. In a qualitative study conducted by Freitag et al. in 2021, it is emphasized that adolescents with a disabled sibling show a complex emotional, social, cultural and cognitive development, moving away from favorite activities/games in healthy adolescent siblings when their sibling participates in the care process. In this study, it can be said that in line with the statements of the adolescents and within the scope of the theme of "taking the role of caring in the sibling, cognitive and emotional development along with the sense of responsibility developed positively and with this development, positive developments were achieved in the behaviors of being responsible for nutrition, physical activity and health [14].

In addition to its positive effects, there are studies suggesting that the degree of participation in the care of a disabled sibling is a source of stress, is associated with anxiety and depression levels, reveals psychosocial and behavioral problems and is perceived as an overload with conflict and communication difficulties in adolescents. In some, it is suggested that prosocial behavior emerges with positive gains in sibling interaction.

In the qualitative research conducted by Avieli et al. in 2019, it is emphasized that the healthy sibling is also responsible for the care of the sibling and plays the role of caregiver. With the development of metacognitive awareness in children, the development of a sense of responsibility is provided. There is a positive relationship between the level of sense of responsibility and the dimension of behavior. In the study, it is examined that the presence of a disabled child in the family has an integrative effect on the family members relationships. Findings in the theme of unconditional love within the family are consistent with the literature. In the qualitative research conducted by Avieli et al., it is emphasized that the disabled sibling creates a love area and supports the emotional transition between parent and child [15]. In the research, it is interpreted that there is an imbalance in the emotional sharing of parents with children due to the concept of healthy and unhealthy having a disabled child in the family. The findings in the theme of formation of a need area in family love are compatible with the literature. In a qualitative study, it is emphasized that the healthy child is neglected and the healthy child moves away from the family in this process, with the thought that the disabled sibling needs the care and attention of the family more.

Adolescents who have a disabled sibling are at risk of facing mental problems such as anxiety and depression, as well as a sense of injustice in relation to excessive burden of responsibility and family attitude. In addition, children with disabled siblings perceive the responsibilities of their siblings in the care process as a necessity, as well as sharing between siblings and emotional bonds, sharing love and a protective relationship. Considering the positive effect of empathy and altruistic behavior, it is examined that adolescents who develop empathy in this interaction display positive attitudes in interpersonal relationships.

Peers are an important group for the development of the child during adolescence. In the study, it is examined that healthy adolescents who have a disabled sibling experience negativity in maintaining the relationship between peers. Findings in the theme of loneliness are consistent with the literature. It is a supportive factor in the positive interactive psychosocial development of children. In the literature, it is suggested that there is an interaction between difficult temperament and sibling relationship. Having a disabled sibling is effective on the difficult temperament development of children. In addition to these, school is an important tool for identity acquisition and psychosocial development in adolescence. It is suggested that healthy adolescents who have a disabled sibling have a low sense of belonging to school.

The functionality of the family and the peace of mind in the family resulting from the parent-sibling relationship of the adolescents are effective in the development of the physical and mental health of the adolescents. The findings in the theme of healthy life activities for accepted physical development and the literature are partially compatible. The literature is insufficient on this theme.

Adolescence is a period in which the need for childhood nursing care increases and should be managed with trainings and regular follow-ups. In this period, ensuring a healthy harmony with the disabled sibling, preventing the adolescent's tendency to risky behaviors, monitoring their development and developing healthy lifestyle behaviors are provided by pediatric nurse. While following the growth and development of the adolescent during adolescence, they support the physical, cognitive, spiritual and social development of adolescents by increasing the quality of interaction between the adolescentparent after the partnership with the parents.

In the study, it was seen that the presence of a disabled child in the family affected the family processes and the development of healthy adolescents was affected by the change in these family. The participation of healthy adolescent siblings in the care and treatment of their disabled siblings, their compliance with the that’s and the attitudes and skills of the family affect the development of healthy adolescents. In order to have positive gains in the development of healthy adolescents and healthy lifestyle behaviors, family processes should be supported. Trainings should be planned by pediatric nurses in cooperation with rehabilitation centers in order to support the adolescent's cope with stress and acquisition of healthy lifestyle behaviors.

How might this information affect nursing practice?

This research is one of the few qualitative studies examining the healthy lifestyle behaviors of adolescents who have a disabled sibling. It is thought that the results of the research will be a qualified source for the literature about the achievements of the adolescents who have a disabled sibling in the family and the healthy lifestyle behaviors of the adolescents.

Conclusion

In order to increase the adaptation of healthy adolescents to the process and their coping skills, the level of sharing and relationship with the disabled sibling should be maximized. In order for healthy adolescents to feel more valuable, they should participate in the rehabilitation center some days of the week and there should be supported by pediatric nurses. It is thought that there will be an increase in the positive gains in healthy lifestyle behaviors of healthy adolescents who are adapted to the care and treatment of the disabled sibling, whose disabled sibling and parent relations are strengthened and whose development is supported by pediatric nurses.

Ethical Conduct of Research

This study was performed in line with the principles of the declaration of Helsinki. The ethical approval for the study was obtained from ofe of goverment university (15.03.2021/34) and institutional permission was obtained from the administrators of the participating schools. Also, a consent form was given to the adolescent to deliver to their parents to sign.

Acknowledgement

The research received no external or grant funding. All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by G.M., G.B., P.U. and G.M., G.KM., G.B., P.U. and G.M. participated in conceiving the design of the study, collecting the data and the data analysis The first draft of the manuscript was written by G.B and supervision was made by G.M., P.U. and G.K.M. All authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. The authors have declared that they have no competing or potential conflicts of interest. The authors acknowledge the cooperation of the Turkish ministry of education, as well as the many principals, teachers, parents and students who participated in this study.

Limitation of Study

In the study, adolescents who have 10 disabled siblings since they are within the scope of Muğla province were reached. It was analyzed that the majority of the children participating in the study were in the early adolescence period and their communication skills were insufficient compared to the participants in the middle adolescence period.

Ethical Consideration

Mugla Sitki Kocman university medical and health sciences ethics committee-2 approval was obtained to conduct the study.

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Citation: Manav, Gulay, Gonca K Muslu, Gulay Bas RN and Pelin Uymaz. "Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors of an Adolescent with a Disabled Sibling: Qualitative Analysis." Clin Schizophr Relat Psychoses 17 (2023). Doi: 10.3371/CSRP.MGGM.042723.

Copyright: © 2023 Manav G, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the creative commons attribution license which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.