Influence of family strength on life satisfaction of individuals who have a sibling with disability: Mediating effect of disability acceptance.

Abstract

This descriptive correlational study was conducted to examine the mediating effect of disability acceptance on the relationship between family strength and life satisfaction in individuals who have a sibling with a disability. The responses of 144 non-disabled siblings of persons with a disability were analyzed using panel data from the Korea Institute for Persons with Disabilities, and a regression analysis was performed. Family strength and acceptance of disabilities significantly affected the life satisfaction of siblings without disability. Regarding the effect of family strength on life satisfaction, acceptance of a sibling's disability by siblings without disability had a significant mediating effect. Our results suggest that strategies to enhance the acceptance of disabilities and promote family strength are necessary to improve the life satisfaction of individuals without disability as well as their siblings with disabilities. Family-centered interventions are warranted to promote positive acceptance of disabilities.