A scoping review of cross-cultural experiences of siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the United States

Experiences of siblings of individuals with developmental disabilities: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies

BACKGROUND

While the impact of developmental disabilities (DD) on the entire family is increasingly recognized, the experiences of typically developing (TD) siblings often remain overlooked. Recently, an understanding of siblings' experiences has been developed through qualitative studies.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to synthesize existing qualitative evidence regarding the experiences of TD siblings of individuals with DD.

METHODS

A systematic search across four databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) identified studies reporting empirical qualitative data on the experiences of TD siblings of adolescents and young adults with DD, including English studies from 2014 to 2023. A quality appraisal was performed using the Critical Appraisal Skill Programme (CASP) checklist. The data were synthesized using thematic synthesis.

RESULTS

Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Six key themes and 13 subthemes were identified from the included articles. These themes included (i) encountered difficulties, (ii) intrapersonal response, (iii) interpersonal interaction, (iv) challenging family dynamics, (v) strategies and support, and (vi) accepting and adapting to my reality.

CONCLUSIONS

This review synthesizes qualitative evidence on the experiences of TD siblings, highlighting how their situation shapes their lives. The findings suggest that TD siblings of individuals with DD experience difficulty due to their sibling's disability. These experiences influence various aspects of their lives, including personal, school/work, and family dynamics, ultimately affecting TD siblings' adaptation processes. Our findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to support the psychological well-being of TD siblings of individuals with DD.

Narratives From Female Siblings of Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Photovoice Study on Identity and Growth Experiences in South Korea

BACKGROUND

This study sought a holistic understanding of lived experiences of individuals with a sibling who has intellectual and developmental disabilities using photovoice.

METHODS

Seven adult female siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in South Korea engaged in six weekly photovoice sessions, including an orientation session, phototaking on participant-driven themes, and four group discussion sessions in which they shared their photos.

RESULTS

Thirteen subthemes related to four primary themes highlighted their experiences. Although these siblings faced pressure from the responsibilities of caregiving, they described growth and reflection on their identities, subsequent shifts in perspectives, and finding a balance between self-care and fulfilling responsibilities to maintain their love for their sibling.

CONCLUSIONS

Social work professionals should acknowledge their challenges and growth and help them find balance in their life and caregiving role. It is also important to address their unique needs by considering the intersection of gender, culture, and disability.

Daily life situations and participation of siblings of children with childhood-onset disabilities: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Siblings of children with disabilities or childhood-onset chronic conditions (eg, autism, cerebral palsy or congenital heart disease) often face challenges in mental health, quality of life and psychosocial adjustment. However, comprehensive knowledge of their participation in daily activities remains limited. Understanding their participation patterns and potential restrictions can help clarify their needs.

AIMS AND METHODS

This scoping review aims to summarise current research on the participation of siblings of children with childhood-onset chronic conditions. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, we systematically searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, PsycINFO and ERIC for peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2001 and 2024. Eligible studies focused on siblings of children with disabilities or early-onset chronic conditions (population) and their participation, including attendance and involvement in daily activities (concept) across children's homes, communities and schools (context). The review adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Reviews guidelines.

RESULTS

A total of 62 articles met the inclusion criteria: 45 qualitative (73%) and 7 quantitative (11%) studies, 7 reviews (11%) and 3 meta-studies (5%). The studies covered various chronic conditions (eg, cancer, chronic kidney disease and Down syndrome), with autism being the most common (22 studies). Key participation themes identified include family life, home participation, school involvement, leisure activities, social interactions with peers, information-seeking and continuous meaning-making. Factors such as normalcy, advocacy, identity, gender, age, culture and socioeconomic status were found to intersect with participation.

CONCLUSIONS

This review provides a comprehensive overview of current research and contributes to our understanding of how participation in daily activities has been studied so far in the population of siblings of children with disabilities. It reveals a gap in research specifically measuring participation among siblings. The identified themes enhance our understanding of potential participation restrictions in this population.

Exploring the Strengths and Resilience of Siblings of People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Siblings play a crucial role in shaping and guiding the experiences of their brother or sister with a disability across the lifespan. However, little is known about the positive outcomes of their roles and experiences as siblings. Understanding the positive outcomes challenges stereotypes and the stigma associated with disabilities and allows for a more holistic view of sibling experiences.

METHODS

We conducted a survey with 140 adult siblings of people with disabilities to explore their strengths, resilience and community belonging.

RESULTS

We found that siblings highly rated their perceived strengths across various domains. Furthermore, siblings maintained high levels of resilience and most belonged to various organisations for social support. We also noted several strengths-based factors that predicted siblings' resilience.

CONCLUSION

Our findings offer significant insights into siblings' inherent and developed strengths and the role of community networks in promoting sibling resilience and expanding their support systems.

Cultural applicability and desirability of 'Broodles': The first serious game intervention for siblings of children with disabilities

Objective

Serious games can serve as easily accessible interventions to support siblings of children with disabilities, who are at risk of developing mental health problems. The Dutch serious game 'Broodles' was developed for siblings aged 6-9 years. The current study aims to assess the cultural applicability, desirability, feasibility, and acceptability of 'Broodles' in Norway.

Methods

Norwegian siblings (N = 16) aged 6-13 years and parents (N = 12) of children with intellectual disabilities assessed the game. Their feedback data from interviews and questionnaires were sorted using a model of engagement factors in serious games.

Results

At pre-use, participants showed interest in the game, and after initial use the participants were overall positive about the format, content and objectives, including validation of emotions and recognition. The participants had suggestions for improved engagement and feasibility.

Conclusion

The game was found to be culturally applicable, desirable and acceptable, although Norwegian translation is necessary for further evaluation. Recommendations to enhance engagement were provided, including suggestions to play the game with parents or in a group.

Innovation

This initial assessment of the serious game Broodles in a non-Dutch setting shows promise for an innovative way of supporting siblings of children with disabilities.

Violence against parents perpetrated by adolescent siblings of individuals with intellectual disability in South Korea

BACKGROUND

Few studies have focused on the daily hassles among adolescent siblings living with individuals with intellectual disability (IwID) and the resulting conflicts between family members. The pathway from stress (hassles) to adolescents' violent acts has been largely ignored.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the link between hassles (independent variable) and violence against parents (dependent variable), with aggression as a mediator and social support as a moderator.

PARTICIPANTS

Data were collected from November 2018 to February 2019 in Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, and Incheon City. Participants were 303 adolescent siblings of IwID (male: 47.2 %; female: 52.1 %).

METHODS

Descriptive analysis was conducted using SPSS 24.0 and mediating pathways were determined using SPSS Macro 25.0. To verify the moderating role of social support, the entire sample was divided into two groups based on the mean value of social support and the mediating model was analyzed.

RESULTS

In the low social support group (n = 140), the direct effect was not significant (β = 0.0111, 95 % CI = -0.0044 to 0.0266), but the indirect effect was maintained (β = 0.0096, 95 % CI = 0.0005 to 0.0234). However, in the high support group (n = 118), neither the direct effect (β = 0.0106, 95 % CI = -0.0162 to 0.0373) nor the indirect effect (β = 0.0126, 95 % CI = -0.0013 to 0.0301) was significant. Social support as a moderator was statistically significant compared with different paths in the two-group analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Counselling interventions are needed to alleviate the link between hassles and adolescent violence against parents through aggression.

A qualitative study investigating the experiences of young adults caring for a sibling with disability within immigrant families in the UK: "Challenges are just the constant"

BACKGROUND

Despite a growing body of literature investigating the impact of disabilities on family relationships, the experiences of ethnic minorities remain underexplored.

METHOD

Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with eight young people (aged 18-28 years) with disabled sibling(s) within an immigrant family to understand how this affects their wellbeing and relationships, identify sources of support and strain, and explore the significance of balancing different cultural expectations. We used reflexive thematic analysis to analyse the transcribed data.

RESULTS

Analysis identified three themes: constant challenges, negative consequences on self and relationships, and coping strategies to overcome difficulties. Despite maintaining positive relationships with their siblings, challenges took a serious toll on young people's psychological wellbeing and relationships. Participants used various coping strategies but desired culturally appropriate extra-familial support.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has highlighted the urgent requirement for policy makers to investigate how to better support young carers from diverse backgrounds.

Risk and resilience factors impacting the mental health and wellbeing of siblings of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions: A mixed methods systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This pre-registered systematic review synthesised and evaluated the existing literature on self-reported mental health and wellbeing of siblings of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs).

METHODS

From 2437 identified studies published 2000-2022, 81 studies were included: 14 population- or cohort-based, 39 quantitative, 7 mixed method, and 21 qualitative outcome studies.

RESULTS

Seven sibling mental health (any psychiatric disorder, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, internalising and externalising difficulties) and five wellbeing indicators were identified (quality of life, emotional adjustment, social wellbeing, somatic/physical wellbeing, and resilience/growth). Overall, siblings had increased risk of any psychiatric disorder, but they also reported experiences of growth and resilience, primarily in qualitative studies. 41 risk factors and 24 resilience factors associated with these outcomes were identified; the most frequently cited risk factor was symptom severity of the NDC sibling, while the most common resilience factor was adaptive/active coping at the individual sibling level. Studies showed high methodological heterogeneity and 90 different self-report measures were used.

CONCLUSIONS

Sibling mental health indictors are heterogeneous and cumulative risk factors may result in poorer wellbeing. There is a need for consistent reporting of family and sibling characteristics, a strengths-based approach to assessment, and identification of protective and resilience-promoting factors.

Caregiving and future planning perspectives of siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: Insights from South Korea, Japan and Taiwan

BACKGROUND

As individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities age, their siblings are more likely to assume caregiving responsibilities. However, little is known about experiences of East Asian siblings with respect to their caregiving and future-planning within their own country, as well as other East Asian countries.

METHODS

Using a national survey, this study explored experiences of 576 siblings across South Korea, Japan and Taiwan.

RESULTS

A common factor across the three countries was that siblings were less engaged in advocacy and future-planning activities and felt less competent to play the role of caregiving. Korean siblings reported more negative views about disability, while Japanese siblings reported less engagement in future-planning and Taiwanese siblings reported greater involvement in caregiving.

CONCLUSION

Based on 'universalism without uniformity', it is recommended to develop culturally sensitive sibling-targeted intervention based on each country's context.

Cultural Influences on Sibling Relationships, Roles, and Self-Concept in the Context of Autism: Perspectives of Latino/a/x and non-Latino/a/x Siblings

Siblings describe positive and negative aspects of autism and often assume lifelong support roles. Less is known about cultural influences on sibling relationships. This qualitative study characterizes processes linking siblings' autism conceptualizations, sibling relationships, and self-concept using a multicultural framework. Siblings (12 Latino/a/x, 9 non-Latino/a/x white) participated. Data were stratified by ethnicity and analyzed using applied thematic analysis. Latino/a/x and non-Latino/a/x siblings described processes linking autism, relationships, and self-concept differently. Latino/a/x siblings emphasized family roles and identified as caregivers and protectors. Non-Latino/a/x siblings emphasized general sensitivity toward individuals who differed from themselves. Findings may reflect cultural differences in familism, caregiving expectations, and autism conceptualizations, thereby illuminating foundations of siblings' lifelong caregiving roles and highlighting the importance of culturally-sensitive, family-centered care.