An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of adolescent siblings’ experiences of aggression by a brother with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and their perceptions of their coping processes

The aim of this qualitative study was to gain an in-depth understanding of how siblings make sense and construct meaning from their experience of aggression by their sibling with ASD, and to explore their perceptions of their coping processes in attempting to adapt to the aggression. Semi-structured interviews with six adolescent siblings were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Four superordinate themes were identified and include a threatened and disempowered self, seeking to gain a sense of control, interpersonal coping, and making and changing meaning. Novel findings emerging from the study relate to how the siblings constructed an aspect of their self as devalued through their experiences of aggression. Findings are discussed in relation to the extant literature and psychological theory