The Lived Experiences of Siblings of Individuals with Special Needs: A Qualitative Study

This study explored the lived experiences of siblings of individuals with special needs, guided by Bowen’s Family Systems Theory. This study, conducted in Cabuyao, Laguna, Philippines, adopts a qualitative phenomenological approach and uses semi- structured interviews. This study aimed to uncover the essence of these experiences, examine family dynamics, identify opportunities for personal growth, and develop themes from participants’ narratives. Additionally, this study recommends programs beneficial for researchers and participants. In this study, five participants were selected through purposive sampling based on the inclusion criteria of having siblings with special needs. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed to identify ten emergent themes. Key findings include family conflict in child care, highlighting emotional tension and misunderstandings; caregiving involving parental-like responsibilities and long-term support; and personal growth characterized by emotional maturity and shared happiness. Other themes identified were emotional boundaries, family adaptability, and balancing family priorities, which reflect the complexities siblings face in managing their relationships and roles. The study revealed that participants presented both challenges and opportunities for growth. Based on the results, the study recommends developing program focused on enhancing emotional support, fostering family education, and promoting flexibility to optimize sibling roles and strengthen famil dynamics.