This study investigated the dilemmas faced by emerging adults serving as supporting siblings (SS) for their sibling with depression (SWD). A thematic analysis of 49 interviews revealed the family system as central to sibling depression. Family histories of dysfunction contributed to SWDs’ lasting symptoms, prompting SSs’ felt obligation to their sibling. SSs managed mental health communication in the family by protecting their SWD against their parents and withholding their own mental health challenges. Additionally, this study revealed SSs’ double binds: They were caught between their loyalties to their SWD and parents, and between maintaining their family system and their own well-being. The importance of family systems, family history, and challenges related to navigating sibling depression are discussed.

中文翻译：

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陷入家庭系统：审视新兴成年人在驾驭兄弟姐妹抑郁症时的困境


本研究调查了新兴成年人作为患有抑郁症的兄弟姐妹 （SWD） 的支持兄弟姐妹 （SS） 所面临的困境。对 49 次访谈的主题分析显示，家庭系统是兄弟姐妹抑郁症的核心。功能障碍的家族史导致了 SWD 的持久症状，促使 SS 感到对兄弟姐妹有义务。SS 通过保护他们的 SWD 免受父母的侵害并隐瞒他们自己的心理健康挑战来管理家庭中的心理健康沟通。此外，这项研究揭示了 SS 的双重束缚：他们在对 SWD 和父母的忠诚之间，以及在维持家庭系统和自身福祉之间陷入困境。讨论了家庭系统的重要性、家族史以及与应对兄弟姐妹抑郁症相关的挑战。