Impact of Disruptive Behavior Disorder on Siblings Living with Affected Adolescents

Abstract

Disruptive behavior disorder (DBD) is a mental disorder that includes Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder. DBD affects 10% of adolescents in the United States with significant stress on the entire family. Research has described the impact of chronic illness on family members but have focused mostly on primary caregivers or mothers. Even fewer studies considered DBD and how it impacts siblings. Before interventions can be developed to address the impact on siblings, we must first understand the experiences they have as a result of living with an adolescent with DBD. The aim of this report was to describe the impact on siblings who live with adolescents with DBD. The report is part of a larger qualitative descriptive study about experiences and needs of family member of adolescents with DBD. The samples for this report were 16 siblings who were 9 to 23 years, 75% male, and 75% Black. We interview siblings in their homes; audio recorded and transcribed all data. Three researchers conducted content analysis of their narratives. We grouped the data into four topics: positive impact, negative impact, interventions and/or coping mechanisms used to address impact, and what the siblings need for support. Siblings said (1) stress, blanket punishment, planned or desired activity disruption, and physical attack as negative impact; avoidance, utilization of anger management techniques, and reacting with violence as coping mechanisms; (3) the adolescents need more treatment, the family members need better communication, financial assistance, and more time together. Siblings did not describe any positive impact of DBD. Our findings reinforce the negative impact on siblings of adolescents with DBD; adds to the literature by its inclusion of a large African American sample; and supports nurses’ role in assessing the impact of DBD on siblings of the affected adolescents.