What is it like to be a twin of a person with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities?

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to establish the perceived quality of life in twin siblings of individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) living in Poland.

METHOD

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with siblings of people with PMID. The interviews were subjected to thematic analysis according to grounded theory methodology principles.

FINDINGS

The results of this study yielded insights into the quality of life of twin siblings of persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. Inquired about their lives in the capacity of siblings, the interviewees provided a narrative around their experiences as twins of individuals with PIMD.

CONCLUSION

Research participants described both positive and negative experiences, indicating that having a sibling with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities affected their quality of life in diverse ways. In addition, the obtained results may be of cognitive merit to practitioners and researchers working with families of people with PIMD.