An exploration of the quality and dynamics of sibling relationships, in the context of sibling sexual abuse.

Sibling sexual abuse (SSA) is estimated to be three times as common as child sexual abuse committed by parents (Yates and Allardyce, 2021). To date there is no universally agreed criteria differentiating harmless sibling sexual behaviour and SSA, but there is consensus that SSA typically includes behaviours which are not age appropriate, are severe in nature, and are not motivated by age-appropriate curiosity (Yates and Allardyce, 2021). In spite of the equivocality, research suggests SSA is associated with a wide range of adverse outcomes which show substantial continuities into adulthood (Caffaro, 2020).

Sibling relations are one of the most important relationships we have (Dunn, 2007). Such relationships can significantly impact on personal development and are unique in the sense that they are characterised by love, and friendship, but also jealousy and rivalry (Sanders, 2004). Often siblings are seen as equals, and power differentials within the relationship is frequently overlooked (Punch, 2008). However, a common feature of sibling dyads is the interplay of power dynamics, which may be influenced by age, birth order, sex and culture (Dunn, 2007). In spite of the recognised importance and complexity of sibling relations there is a deficit of research understanding the qualities and dynamics of sexually abusive sibling relationships.

This PhD will make an original contribution to knowledge, through exploring what impact childhood SSA has on adult victim-survivors, and how SSA affects the quality and dynamics of sibling relations across the lifespan. Despite the evidence that SSA has lifelong implications (Caffaro, 2020), there is little attention regarding what impact SSA has on sibling relationships. The small existing evidence base suggests that sexually abusive sibling relations often have the added complexity of wider family dysfunction, gender roles, and parental absence/favouritism (Yates & Allardyce, 2021). Further, much of what is known about sexually abusive sibling relations, across the life-span is based on Jewish-Israeli participants only (Tener, 2019). However, it is well established that cultural differences influence and shape sibling relationships, particularly in the context of abuse (Marmor & Tener, 2022). This PhD will expand understandings of sexually abusive sibling relationships by exploring the narratives of UK, SSA adult victim-survivors.

This PhD has two main aims: firstly, to explore how adult victim-survivors construct their experiences of SSA ; and secondly to examine how victim-survivors make sense of their sibling relationships across the lifespan. A qualitative paradigm and a method of narrative inquiry will be adopted. Semi-structured interviews will be used to gather retrospective narratives from SSA adult victim-survivors, about how they make sense of their sibling relationships across the life-span. To analyse the data narrative thematic analysis will be used (Riessman, 2008). The objective of this research is to generate new knowledge which will provide families, professionals, and policymakers with a more evidence-based understanding of the multidimensional nature of sexually abusive sibling relationships. This in turn will be useful in aiding better professional decision making and will offer clearer guidance on how to therapeutically support child and adult SSA victim-survivors. Further, this research will provide greater clarity on sibling reunification following disclosure and restorative justice for siblings affected by SSA; alongside providing meaningful contributions to existing sibling theory.