Virtual Support Group for Teenage Siblings of Individuals With Spina Bifida
Virtual information session for teens and their parents to learn more about a support group and corresponding research study for teens who have a sibling with spina bifida
The Illinois Spina Bifida Association and the Chicago Healthy Adolescent Transition Lab invite prospective participants and their parents to attend a support group and study informational session via Zoom on May 21 from 9 to 10 a.m.
Potential participants will be introduced to the co-investigators, the structure of the support group and the voluntary research study each child will be asked to take part in. After going over both the support group and research study, each child and their parent(s) will be placed into individual breakout rooms where there will be an opportunity to sign consent forms and ask the facilitators any questions in private.
The first session will be held on June 4 from 10 to 11 a.m. The support group will meet each Saturday through June 25 (four sessions total). Participants who want to take part in the corresponding research study on the feasibility and efficacy of the group will be monetarily compensated.
Growing up with a sibling with a spina bifida means that you experience incredible joys, stressful challenges and everything in between. Join the support group to take care of your mental health now and participate in the research study to help future siblings.
The support group will provide a safe space for siblings to meet approximately 10 other high schoolers and connect over shared experiences.
The accompanying research study will evaluate how well the support group works in providing healthy coping skills to participants.
Download the support group and research study flyer.
To get the link for the virtual information session, please email co-investigators at sbsiblinggroup@gmail.com or text (312) 788-7843.
Participants in the Zoom meeting should use initials as their names to protect each other’s confidentiality. Please keep cameras off until you are in the breakout room.
The support group will also meet on June 11, 18 and 25.