Citation

Tasker SL, Wright KE. Illn. Crises Loss 2020; 28(1): 71-94.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1054137317742560

PMID

unavailable

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.

Keywords: Bereavement

Language: en

Keywords

bereavement; comparison study; health; homicide; illness; loss; siblings of homicide victims; trauma; well-being