Being siblings of children with visual impairment

Abstract

This is a qualitative study that gives voice to 33 siblings of children with visual impairment in care at the Robert Hollman Foundation, focusing on their relationships with their brothers/sisters. Participants aged 7 to 22 recounted their daily life experiences and perspectives, expressing their feelings during semi-structured individual interviews. Data were analyzed according to the thematic analysis in the conceptual framework of ‘the new sociology of childhood’. The vast majority of siblings showed a special relationship with their brother/sister, characterized by unconditional love and willingness to help. Different emotions, such as happiness, empathy, sorrow and sadness, were expressed as well as how the experience of being siblings of children with visual impairment shapes their attitudes, highlighting a number of needs in some of the subjects.