Early adulthood with a disabled sibling: ‘I’m more than just her sister, more now than I’ve ever been’

Siblings of disabled individuals play a central role within the family system, often taking on responsibilities and providing support amounting to parentification. Despite holding valuable insights, the perspectives of young adults are scant in literature. This qualitative study examines the lived experiences of five emerging adults in England, who have a disabled sibling. It explores the emotions and experiences characterising this specific conceptual life stage. Participants described positive outcomes associated with having a disabled sibling, including empathy and strengthened family relationships. Alongside these positive outcomes, two interconnecting themes were identified: (i) participants held caregiving roles that expand the dynamics of the sibling relationship, highlighting parentification, and (ii) the complex emotions regarding their future. The experience of parentification may therefore shape the transition into emerging adulthood for individuals with disabled siblings, with caregiving responsibilities emerging through the interaction of family relationships, limited external support, and broader social expectations surrounding care.