The experience of hearing children as they cope with having a sibling with deafness

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe the experiences of hearing children as they cope with having a sibling with deafness. From a constructivist point of view, this research process is seen as socially constructing a reality or realities, with the researcher included in, rather than outside the borders of his or her own research. Semi-structured and unstructured interviews were conducted with the subjects. These interviews were aimed at obtaining information regarding the subject’s experience of the stressor of having a sibling with deafness. The participants reported limited family interaction. Although most siblings say that they have good relationships with their siblings with deafness, their primary feelings indicate that there are aspects of having a sibling with deafness that can be challenging. The participants described experiencing a variety of feelings which include the following: frustration, loneliness, anger, affection, resentment and pity. The results of this study have shown that the siblings of children with deafness, need more professional support in terms of coping with the disability and its consequences. Siblings need guidance on active coping responses in coping with the stressor of having a sibling with deafness.