Exploring Aspects of Health and Well-Being in Siblings of Young Homicide Victims
Date
2017
Authors
Tasker, Susan Louise
Wright, Kenneth Edmond
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Illness, Crisis & Loss
Abstract
Anecdotal report and a scant literature suggest homicide has lasting effects on the health and well-being of siblings of homicide victims. However, sample and other methodological problems make it difficult to claim these effects. It also makes it difficult to attribute these effects to a sibling’s homicide versus other distressing life events. We compared 67 siblings of homicide victims with 80 comparison siblings on aspects of general health and well-being. Similar occupation types and levels of income, education, general health perception, and self-worth were found. The Homicide Group reported significantly higher levels of subjective distress and school/work absences in the past 3 months due to feeling unwell, and significantly less social support and life satisfaction. This study contributes to the literature by adding a larger sample on the issue of siblings of homicide victims and including a Comparison Group. Findings advance understanding of homicide’s effects on siblings of homicide victims.
Description
Keywords
Homicide, Loss, Bereavement, Trauma, Siblings of homicide victims, Health, Illness, Well-being, Comparison study
Citation
Tasker, S.L. & Wright, K.E. (2017). Exploring Aspects of Health and Well-Being in Siblings of Young Homicide Victims. Illness, Crisis & Loss, 0(0), 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1177/1054137317742560