Background

Sibling relationships are a common yet highly individual experience during childhood and beyond. The role of being a sibling is lived through everyday occupations shaping a broader narrative of childhood experiences. Siblings of children with disabilities may face significant challenges, as their participation in personally meaningful occupations can be restricted. At the same time, their responsibilities can foster independence and self-confidence. Their identity may be profoundly shaped by these experiences, roles, and responsibilities. Narrative theory can help to better understand such complex experiences by focusing on everyday occupations and their meanings.

Aim

This study aims to understand the meaning-making proccesses within and through everyday occupations of a sister of a boy with cerebral palsy. Further, we aim for a participatory knowledge translation of the findings to make the complexities of a sibling's experiences accessible to a broader audience.

Method

Data were collected as part of a larger mixed methods study in Switzerland (www.parti-cp.ch – SNF project number: 320030_212587). A secondary analysis of interview data from one family – consisting of a boy with cerebral palsy, his mother, and his sister – was conducted using an interpretive narrative methodology ("narrative-in-action"). The participating family is involved in the feedback and dissemination process.

To communicate the findings to a broader children audience, a knowledge translation tool targetting children will be produced in collaboration with family partners.

Keywords: Narrative, Siblings, Cerebral Palsy, Occupation, Everyday Life, Knowledge Translation, Family Involvement