An Exploration of the Resilience of Children and Young People with a Sibling in Prison

This research focuses on the resilience of children and young people (CYP) with a sibling in prison. There is a lack of research, government policy and statistics in relation to CYP with a sibling in prison. The limited existing literature focuses on the experiences of the population, yet no research in the United Kingdom (UK) currently explores the CYP’s resilience from a positive psychology perspective. The study aimed to explore this gap in research by exploring how CYP cope with having an imprisoned sibling. The purpose of the study was to better understand how CYP’s resilience can be promoted within the CYP, and by the systems around them. A critical realist approach was taken, where semi-structured interviews took place virtually with five CYP (10-18 years old) across the UK to gather their views on how they are coping. The data was thematically analysed deductively through a resilience theory-driven analysis. Data was grouped into six overarching themes based on the six domains of resilience: secure base, friendships, education, talents and interests, positive values, and social competencies. The findings encapsulate how different stakeholders within different systems, such as family, school, religious communities and the government can contribute towards the resilience of CYP with an imprisoned sibling. Support can also be given to CYP in developing their own resilience by recognising their own strengths and difficulties. The research identifies the invaluable perspectives of how CYP attempt to cope with having a sibling in prison. The use of a resilience framework can help to provide some structure by considering the different domains of the CYP, to ensure that they can be better supported. The researcher reflected upon the research journey, considered a range of implications for different stakeholders, then identified areas of further research.