Substance Use Disorders in Our Home: Siblings Experiences, Navigating Changes, & Meaning-Making

Fri, October 10, 2025 3:00 PM at 457 Berkey and Zoom

MSU Sociology PhD candidate Ereisa G. Morales will present her dissertation proposal defense "Substance Use Disorders in Our Home: Siblings Experiences, Navigating Changes, & Meaning-Making."

ABSTRACT: The present dissertation proposal aims to focus on the experiences of siblings of ‘problematic’ substance users (PSU) (I.e., substance abuse, substance use disorder and/or drug addiction (SSUD/SDA). Addressing questions related to family relationships, roles, changes, and factors that contribute to the experiences lived by siblings of those with PSU, a grounded theory approach will be useful for exploring the ways in which their identities (i.e., race, ethnicity, gender, sex, disability) are significant as a sibling of a PSU. Due to limited studies that prioritize sibling experiences (as opposed to parents and peers), this dissertation will take a grounded theory approach. From the perspective of symbolic interactionism, grounded theory aims to document change within social groups and the social processes central to the changes experienced. Due to the nature, complexity, and hardship that one experiences relative to witnessing a loved one’s PSU, semi-structured interviews will be the primary form of data collection. Drawing upon an interview guide will allow for a somewhat formal process, while the informal component of semi-structured interviews can provide participants with the ability to share other important aspects of their experience that may no tnecessarily be questions in the interview guide.