Exploration de la projection vers l’avenir de jumeaux ayant vécu la maladie et le deuil de leur double à l’aide du dessin d’une personne cueillant une pomme sur un arbre

Abstract

Objective

Few studies have been carried out in the field of pediatric palliative care concerning the experience of siblings, especially of twins. While some research has highlighted the impact of a child's disease and bereavement on his or her siblings, to our knowledge, no study became interested in the projection into the future of children and teenagers who have experienced the disease and bereavement of a twin.

Methods

Using the Person Picking an Apple from a Tree drawing (Gantt and Tabone, 1998) and a semi-directive interview, this study examined the way in which two teenagers aged twelve and seventeen who have experienced their twin's disease and lost, project themselves into the future.

Results

These teenagers’ projection into the future is marked by the experience of their double's disease and bereavement. Strong fears of disease transmission and death were identified, making them worried of their future and of becoming parents. The identity upheaval and the need to learn to live without the other were particularly noticed.

Discussion

Questioning the way in which bereavement is experienced before reaching adulthood, the collected data raise the question of how to support these bereaved twins (and, more broadly, siblings) in the face of growing questions about death.

Conclusions

This study confirms the need to give voice to these bereaved siblings and offer them appropriate therapeutic support.