Sibling relationships in families with congenitally impaired children.

Abstract

Sibling relationships between school-aged children and their chronically impaired siblings have been studied infrequently. In this exploratory, descriptive study, 67 children (7 to 12 years old) and their mothers provided data about well-impaired sibling relationships. Three groups participated: 22 siblings and mothers of children with craniofacial anomalies, 20 siblings and mothers of children with cardiac anomalies, and 25 siblings and mothers of healthy children. Data were collected using the Sibling Inventory of Behavior and semistructured sibling and maternal interview guides. Quantitative data analysis revealed that the siblings of cardiac children tended to be kinder towards their siblings than siblings in the other two groups, with the normal comparison sibling group exhibiting the most avoidance and embarrassment towards their siblings. Qualitative data analysis indicated that both siblings and mothers in the combined illness group reported significantly less hostility and anger towards their impaired siblings than did the normal comparison siblings. All three sibling groups were actively involved in helping, protective, and play activities with their siblings.