Siblings Of Handicapped Children Research Articles

PSYCHOSOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF A CHILD DURING SIBLING INTERACTIONS

The article studies the relationships between a disabled sibling and his/her healthy brother or sister, and the influence of this interaction on their psychosocial adaptation and the formation of their personality traits. The article states that siblings’ interactions are studied at the individual and system levels. At the individual level, they are studied by theorists of psychoanalysis, behaviourism, humanistic and cognitive psychology. The systemic approach has shown its productivity through the works made by representatives of transgenerational (Bowen’s), structural, strategic and experience-based directions of systemic family psychotherapy. We noted that researchers mainly studied how a sibling’s position affects their personality development but forgot about the relationships between siblings themselves. Based on the analysed theoretical material, we found that the studied relationships of children with their disabled siblings do not describe unambiguously their influence on the formation of personality traits and psychosocial adaptation of healthy siblings. The seriousness of developmental disabilities, different parental attitudes towards children, and a family psychological climate are the factors affecting the most strongly the emotional aspect of sibling interactions. The article notes that the factors reducing psychophysical traumatisation are: the parental marriage stability, high spiritual values of parents, open discussion of feelings among family members, the absence of overburdening a healthy child with care for his/her disabled sibling, understanding of children’s needs and the ability to effectively interact with them. We determined that accumulation by a child of his/her own experience of interacting with his/her sick sibling and knowledge about his/her own and sibling’s abilities and their limits is an important product of sibling interactions. The ability of children having siblings with psychophysical disabilities to respect the physical and psychological space of another is lower in comparison with children of the same age. It is more difficult for them to hold balance between personal autonomy and dependence. The respondents having sibling with psychophysical disabilities are characterized by an excessive manifestation of emotional alienation and value-orientation separation, as well as an inherent excessive manifestation of dominance and control. The self-esteem of children having siblings with psychophysical disabilities is lower in comparison with children of the same age, namely, the indicators of “self-esteem of character” and “self-esteem of appearance” are lower. We conclude that siblings of disabled children are emotionally more sensitive, they have higher self-control. They better understand social norms and have a higher level of self-regulation, but they are more anxious and more often feel guilty about their sick siblings. &nbsp

Commentary on “The sibling’s perspective: experiences of having a sibling with a learning disability and behaviour described as challenging”

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on the article by Chase and McGill from the perspective of Sibs, the only UK-wide charity dedicated to supporting siblings of disabled children and adults. Design/methodology/approach This commentary explores the implication of Chase and McGill’s findings for sibling support. Findings The article highlights how siblings need greater support throughout their life and argues that their views must influence the provision and development of that support. Originality/value This viewpoint focuses on the needs of adult siblings, often a forgotten group facing unique challenges and shared experiences.

Parents' competence and social skills in siblings of disabled children

In this study we aimed to determine whether or not the siblings of children with disabilities have more emotional (stress levels) and relational (parental education levels, family functioning levels, relational and behavioral problems of children while at school), problems than do their peers. We selected 32 couples (16 with and 16 without children with low intellectual ability) and administered self-report questionnaires. Results confirmed the association between family characteristics and the emotional and relational difficulties of siblings of children with disabilities. In our analysis of the relational experience of siblings, a significant difference emerged in comparison to their peers in families with nondisabled children.

The Impacts of short break provision on families with a disabled child: an international literature review

There are widespread assumptions about the potential impacts of short breaks on family carers and disabled children. This review aims to evaluate the existing international research evidence concerning the impacts of short breaks on families with a disabled child. Electronic literature searches were conducted using ASSIA, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Web of Science, and requests for information were sent to selected email lists. Of 60 articles or reports identified for inclusion in the review, the vast majority of studies were cross-sectional, with only eight studies using quasi-experimental pre-post designs or longitudinal designs. Nonetheless, the consistency with which some findings have been reported suggests that short breaks appear to have the potential to positively impact on not only the well-being of carers, but also the children receiving short breaks and their families as a whole. Additional research is warranted in a number of areas. First, research needs to consider the impact of short breaks on fathers. Second, there is a need to consider in more depth how short breaks can impact on the siblings of disabled children. Third, research could consider how best short breaks can be combined with other interventions to maximise the impact for disabled children and their families. Fourth, research needs to look at the longer term impact of short breaks on outcomes for disabled children and their families. What is needed is evidence on what type of short breaks are best for children and families with particular characteristics at particular times during the course of the child's maturation towards adulthood.

Honourable Sacrifice: A Visual Ethnography of the Family Lives of Korean Children with Autistic Siblings

Literature on the siblings of disabled children has been dominated by western psychosocial theories that focus on stresses associated with being a ‘young carer’ or on children as active agents realising their ‘rights’ rather than as the victims of familial expectations. This article presents the findings of a visual ethnographic study exploring the lives of nine children living with an autistic sibling in South Korea (hereafter Korea). Despite personal challenges and family tensions, experiences of ‘being’ a sibling were strongly influenced by Confucian familist cultural values in which sacrifice plays a central role in achieving honourable and harmonious family life.

Effect of Sibling Perception of Differential Parental Treatment in Sibling Dyads With One Disabled Child

To examine sibling perception of parental differential treatment in families of children with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), Down syndrome (DS), and nondisabled controls. Sibling self-concept and social support were studied in the context of sibling perceptions of parental differential treatment and caretaker plus teacher evaluations of sibling behavioral adjustment. Measures were completed at time 1 and time 2. The effect of parental stress and the difficulty of the disabled child, as well as the sibling relationship, were considered. For siblings of PDD children, internalizing and externalizing behavior problems identified by caretakers were evident at time 1 and more accentuated at time 2, at which time teachers also identified these difficulties. DS siblings were reported by caretakers and teachers to have only internalizing problems and only at time 2. These difficulties related to the perception for PDD siblings that they were preferred over their disabled sibling and for the DS sibling that their disabled sibling was preferred. Feelings of low competence predicted internalizing difficulties. Social support, especially over time, had a positive effect for all siblings, including the controls. The elucidation of specific mechanisms contributing to adjustment problems in the siblings of disabled children will allow for the development of specific preventive interventions.

Conversational patterns of children with disabled and nondisabled siblings

ABSTRACTThis study examined the conversational patterns of older children with their younger siblings. The sample included 26 nondisabled, 10 hearing impaired, 14 Down syndrome, and 13 developmentally delayed preschool children and their older, nondisabled siblings. Significant differences were found between the nondisabled and the disabled children. The siblings of disabled children appeared to be less conversationally sensitive with their brothers and sisters than the siblings of nondisabled children. Significant differences were also observed between the different types of disabilities. Few significant differences were found in variables believed to be facilitative of language development in the younger child, and those that were found tended not to be in the expected direction.

Psychosocial effects on siblings of children with autism and mental retardation: a population‐based study

The probands of this study were 60 children and young adults between 5 and 20 years of age, 20 of whom had siblings with autism, 20 of whom had siblings with mental retardation, and 20 of whom had siblings who were free of handicap. The three proband groups were matched for gender, birth order and socioeconomic status. The children were questioned about their sibling relationships and about particular problems they faced concerning their handicapped brothers or sisters and about problems concerning themselves. Parents were interviewed about the healthy child's behaviour and social adjustment. Mothers completed the Eysenck Personality Inventory concerning themselves. Siblings of handicapped children and especially siblings of children with autism were more concerned about the future. They also felt lonely more often and many of them had peer problems. They often regarded their handicapped siblings as a burden. They tended to have only one sibling. Siblings often did not know why their handicapped brother or sister was different from other children. There were more behaviour disturbances in the siblings of handicapped children and mothers with a child with autism reported more 'stressful events'. There were no differences as regards the personality of the mothers and the self-concept of the children between the three groups.

Adjustment of Siblings of Handicapped Children: A Comparison

Compared 55 older siblings (ages 7 1/2 to 15 years) of young handicapped children (ages 1-7 years) with 55 matched siblings of nonhandicapped children. Results of standardized children's assessment scales show that siblings of handicapped children are comparable to siblings of nonhandicapped children in self-concept, behavior problems, and social competence. Differences, however, appear along certain psychological dimensions and great variations exist within each group of siblings. Further, demographic and personal attributes are differentially related to measures of adjustment in different groups of siblings. Implications for research and intervention are drawn.

Siblings of handicapped children

There is a strong suggestion that the siblings of handicapped children are at risk psychologically. Factors which contribute to this risk, aspects of the sibling relationship, and the siblings' issues, concerns and feelings are discussed so that professionals may have a framework within which to assess and evaluate these children's needs. Case examples are given.

FAMILY ISSUES IN PEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGY

Contents: Preface. M.C. Roberts, J.L. Wallander, Family Issues in Pediatric Psychology: An Overview. Part I: Individual Disorders. A.E. Kazak, A.T. Meadows, Families of Young Adolescents Who Have Survived Cancer: Social-Emotional Adjustment, Adaptability, and Social Support. R.L. Murch, L.H. Cohen, Relationships Among Life Stress, Perceived Family Environment, and the Psychological Distress of Spina Bifida Adolescents. L.S. Walker, J.W. Greene, Children with Recurrent Abdominal Pain and Their Parents: More Somatic Complaints, Anxiety, and Depression than Other Patient Families? D. Drotar, D. Eckerle, The Family Environment in Nonorganic Failure to Thrive: A Controlled Study. P.J. Mason, R.A. Olson, J.G. Myers, H.C. Huszti, M. Kenning, AIDS and Hemophilia: Implications for Interventions with Families. J.M. Chaney, L. Peterson, Family Variables and Disease Management in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Part II: Noncategorical Disorders. J.L. Wallander, J.W. Varni, L. Babani, H.T. Banis, K.T. Wilcox, Family Resources as Resistance Factors for Psychological Maladjustment in Chronically Ill and Handicapped Children. J.L. Wallander, J.W. Varni, L. Babani, C.B. DeHaan, K.T. Wilcox, H.T. Banis, The Social Environment and the Adaptation of Mothers of Physically Handicapped Children. L.L. Dyson, Adjustment of Siblings of Handicapped Children: A Comparison. L.S. Walker, J.A. Ortiz-Valdes, J.R. Newbrough, The Role of Maternal Employment and Depression in the Psychological Adjustment of Chronically Ill, Mentally Retarded, and Well Children. Part III: Intervention Programs and Issues. W. Satin, A.M. La Greca, M.Z. Zigo, J.S. Skyler, Diabetes in Adolescence: Effects of Multifamily Group Intervention and Parent Simulation of Diabetes. T.L. Patterson, J.F. Sallis, P.R. Nader, R.M. Kaplan, J.W. Rupp, C.J. Atkins, K.L. Senn, Familial Similarities of Changes in Cognitive, Behavioral, and Physiological Variables in a Cardiovascular Health Promotion Program. J.W. Hatcher, A.J. Richtsmeier, S. Westin, Anxiety in Parents Seeking Pediatric Care. Part IV: A Theoretical Perspective. B.H. Fiese, A.J. Sameroff, Family Context in Pediatric Psychology: A Transactional Perspective.

Siblings of handicapped children: A group support program

Despite many barriers to providing support services to typical siblings in families with exceptional children, a successful group experience was developed for young children. The description of this activity points out some developmental considerations which may have implications for children's groups.

Bibliotherapy with Siblings of Handicapped Children

This article provides an easily replicated structure for bibliotherapy in groups for the counselor who has as clients the siblings of handicapped children. By following the steps outlined, the coun...

Siblings of Handicapped Children: A Population at Risk?

Abstract This paper examines the effects of a handicapped child on normal siblings. The complexities of family networks are explored in terms of Farber's (1975) model of arrest of the family cycle. Major sibling studies undertaken since the early sixties are reviewed, and methodological short‐ comings discussed in relation to future research needs. The possibility of identifying both siblings “at risk” and characteristics of adequately coping families is canvassed. Currently available research findings are interpreted in terms of their implications for professionals working with handicapped children and their families.

Siblings of Handicapped Children: A Developmental Perspective on Family Interactions

Research on the impact of the handicapped child on siblings has indicated several sibling characteristics that are associated with increased sibling vulnerability to stress and other problems. The identification of sibling risk factors, in and of itself, however, does not help us understand differences in sibling outcomes. A transactional framework describing family interactions and their effects on the family's development is presented in order to examine ecological variables influencing family adaptation.

Siblings of handicapped children: a review.

Research is critically reviewed and evaluated, first, in order to determine if the presence of a handicapped child in a family uniquely affects the nonhandicapped siblings, and, second, to identify factors mediating the nature and power of those effects. In addition, projects involving sibling therapy, education, and training are described. Currently there are few well-controlled empirical investigations supporting the popular belief that, as a group, siblings are adversely affected by their handicapped brothers or sisters. Rather, only certain siblings appear to be vulnerable to negative reactions, depending on such factors as sibling sex and birth order, family socioeconomic status, and parental responses to the handicapped child. Recommendations are offered for improved research strategies and questions and for the careful evaluation of future educational and support services for siblings.

Sources of Psychological Disturbance Among Siblings of Handicapped Children

Professionals who provide services to handicapped children and their parents often ignore the impact a chronically disabled child may have on normal siblings. This article explores the potential sources of sibling maladjustment.

Psychologic functioning of siblings of disabled children (67: 344–353, 1981)

Psychologic functioning of siblings of disabled children (67: 344–353, 1981)

Siblings of Handicapped Children: Identifying those at Risk

Families with handicapped children must also be aware of the special needs of their normal children. A child's reaction to a handicapped sibling depends upon the number of other siblings, the relative sex and age, and parental attitudes. Early recognition of potential problems aids the alleviation of their adverse effects.

Siblings of Handicapped Children

The needs of the siblings of handicapped children tend often to be overlooked. Dr. Jessie Parfit, information officer, National Children's Bureau, from 1970 to 1974 suggests how these can be met