Sibling Relationships among Homeless Children and their Connection with Resilience: Example of Homeless Children from the City of Ostrava

Kateřina Glumbíková, Marek Mikulec, Veronika Mia Zegzulková, Kristina Wilamová, Ivana Kowaliková, Lenka Caletková

Kateřina Glumbíková is an associate professor at the Faculty of Social Studies, University of Ostrava. Her research is focused on the issue of reflexivity in social work with vulnerable children and their families. Her research interests also include responsive evaluation of social housing and homelessness of mothers and women without a shelter.

Marek Mikulec is an assistant professor at the Faculty of Social Studies of the University of Ostrava. In his dissertation he dealt with the topic of social exclusion. He is currently studying the topic of housing exclusion and social housing.

Veronika Mia Zegzulková is an assistant professor at the Faculty of Social Studies of the University of Ostrava. Her research deals with social work in an international context and professional practical training in social work

Kristina Wilamová is Ph.D. student at the Faculty of Social Studies of the University of Ostrava. In her dissertation, she deals with the topic of evaluating social work with families in social housing from the perspective of clients.

Ivana Kowaliková is a researcher at the Faculty of Social Studies of the University of Ostrava. Her research topic is the social support of seniors in difficult situations with consequences for social work.

Lenka Caletková is a researcher at the Faculty of Social Studies of the University of Ostrava. Her research focuses on strategies of individual approach to long-term unemployed clients used by employees of labour offices.

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is therefore to understand and describe the interactions between sibling relationships in the population of homeless children and the sibling relationships in the specific context of the city of Ostrava. THEORETICAL BASE: Homelessness is a highly stressful situation for entire families, including children. Sibling relationships are a unique and powerful context for children’s development characterized by strong positive features, such as warmth and intimacy, as well as negative qualities such as an intense, potentially destructive conflict. METHODS: We used a qualitative research strategy. To collect data, we carried out a total of 16 semi-structured interviews; all in a parent-child set. The data was analysed using constructivist grounded theory. OUTCOMES: The needs listed below were identified as part of the sibling-saturated needs: the need for stimulation, the need for a meaningful world, the need for love and emotional security, the need for identity and finding one’s place in society, and the need for life perspective and open future. We also found that the specifics of sibling relationships can lead to either saturation or escalation of these needs, which further affects children’s resilience. SOCIAL WORK IMPLICATIONS: The potential for social work interventions supporting the fulfilment of the need for love and emotional safety is opening up.

Keywords
sibling relationship, homeless children, resilience

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