Siblings of children with disabilities : a critical review of the literature

Abstract

This review explores the psychological impact of childhood disability on non-affected siblings. Research is considered in relation to components of The Transactional Stress and Coping Model (TSCM). Findings show that siblings of children with disabilities are at risk for adjustment difficulties, although this may be less than traditionally assumed, with positive influences identified. Methodological shortcomings may contribute to the lack of consensus regarding the nature of the influence children with disabilities have on their siblings. Further research should include siblings’ views and the high variability in psychological adjustment outcomes needs to be investigated.

The empirical paper investigates the psychosocial impact of childhood disability on typically developing (TD) siblings, comparing parent and sibling accounts. Differences in siblings of CWD and siblings of TD children are assessed in terms of the quality of sibling relationships and helping behaviour. Results of this study replicate findings that siblings of CWD are at risk for psychological adjustment problems as indicated by their parents. However, self-report did not suggest such differences. Findings indicate that siblings of CWD offer more emotional and custodial care to their sibling and the relationship may differ when one sibling has a disability in terms of greater power of the TD child and lower levels of conflict in these families. Only severity of disability was associated with parent rated adjustment. These findings confirm the importance of including sibling self reports and suggest factors other than helping behaviour and quality of the sibling relationship may affect adjustment.

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