The effect of the quality of sibling relationships on the life satisfaction of adults with schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the importance of the quality of the sibling relationship to the life satisfaction of adults with schizophrenia. METHODS: Data were drawn from a longitudinal survey of aging families of adults with schizophrenia. Ninety-three dyads of adults with schizophrenia and their siblings participated. Participants independently completed a self-administered mail questionnaire. Data on the quality of the sibling relationship were taken from the siblings' scores on the Positive Affect Index, and data on life satisfaction of the adult with schizophrenia were measured by the self and present life subscale of the Satisfaction With Life Scale. RESULTS: Adults with schizophrenia had higher levels of life satisfaction when their siblings reported having a closer and more supportive relationship with their sibling with schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide evidence of the saliency of the sibling relationship to quality of life of adults with schizophrenia in midlife.