This research project focuses on the life courses of siblings of individuals with mental health disorders and aims to study the socio-economic trajectories of these individuals. More specifically, it seeks to show how the onset of a mental health disorder in one family member generates social, professional, and family-related consequences for their siblings—whether or not they take on a caregiving role—compared with the general population.
In a first step, the project examines healthcare utilisation and living standards among siblings of individuals with mental health disorders, in comparison with the general population. The use of the French National Health Data System (SNDS) makes it possible to highlight inequalities in resources between these siblings and the rest of the population.
In a second step, the project analyses the socio-occupational characteristics of siblings of individuals with mental health disorders, compared with a matched group drawn from the general population. To this end, a dedicated survey is being implemented, comprising two components: a quantitative component based on an online questionnaire distributed through organisations specialised in mental health disorders, and a qualitative component based on in-depth interviews, in order to better capture the diversity of situations.
Finally, the project aims to characterise the involvement of these siblings in supporting the family member(s) affected by mental health disorders. It investigates the factors associated with caregiving roles, the strategies adopted, and their socio-economic consequences. This aspect also relies on a mixed-methods survey combining quantitative and qualitative approaches.
The project is conducted jointly with Paris Dauphine University.