Sibling relationship quality and social functioning of children and adolescents with intellectual disability

The impact of individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities on peer relationships of typically developing siblings

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND

This study aims to determine the impact of a person with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities on peer relationships of their siblings.

METHODS

Information obtained from typically developing siblings of individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities served as research material for this study. There were a total of 18 participants in the study. The analysis and interpretation were based on the procedures of grounded theory.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The results of the study show that young adults with a brother or sister with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities have some difficulties in establishing relationships with their peers, especially those more intimate such as friendships or romantic endeavors. At the same time, research confirms that siblings of individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities have high levels of empathy and understanding for others as well as sincere attachment to family.

The impacts of typically developing siblings on the developmental outcomes of children with disability: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Siblings represent an important influence on children's development. It is possible that sibling influence on developmental outcomes differs in sibling pairs when one of the children has a disability. Previous research has tended to focus on outcomes for typically developing siblings when they have a brother/sister with a disability.

AIMS

The purpose of this scoping review was to explore empirical studies reporting on the impact of siblings on the developmental outcomes of children with disability to better understand the areas that are influenced by siblings and the factors that contribute to this influence.

METHOD

To identify relevant studies, the electronic databases of EBSCO, ERIC, Informit, Ovid, ProQuest and Scopus were searched. These searches were supplemented by direction from the authors on relevant literature and citation searches of papers identified for inclusion. Descriptive details were extracted, followed by details related to research design and findings of the studies.

OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Twenty-two papers were determined to meet inclusion criteria. Investigations of sibling influence have concentrated on children with ASD; other groups are not well represented. There is some evidence that having older siblings may be protective for children with ASD; however, this was not an invariable finding. There is too little consistency across studies to determine whether and how siblings influence development of children with disability.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Further work is required to understand the potentially crucial influence that siblings may have on developmental outcomes of children with disability.

Behavioural adjustment of children with intellectual disability and their sibling is associated with their sibling relationship quality

BACKGROUND

Understanding sibling relationship quality is important, as it is associated with mental health outcomes in both childhood and adulthood. Arguably, these relationships are even more important for individuals with intellectual disability, as siblings can be important sources of care, support, advocacy and friendship for one another. The intellectual disability field, however, has a tendency to assume that the relationship lacks reciprocity, and that it is the sibling with intellectual disability who affects the sibling, and that this effect is somehow 'negative'.

METHODS

We examined whether the behaviour problems and prosocial behaviour of 500 child sibling pairs, where one child has an intellectual disability, were associated with their sibling relationship quality. Measures included the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires and the Sibling Relationship Questionnaire. Family poverty, the gender of both children, birth order and whether the child with intellectual disability had autism or Down syndrome were also included in the analyses.

RESULTS

Confirmatory factor analysis indicated an adequate model fit for the latent variables measuring sibling relationships. The final structural model found that the prosocial behaviour and internalising problems of the children with intellectual disability, their typically developing siblings' prosocial behaviours and sibling birth order were associated with intimacy-companionship in the sibling relationship. The internalising, externalising and prosocial behaviours of the children with intellectual disability, their siblings' externalising behaviours and sibling birth order were associated with antagonism-quarrelling in the sibling relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that the behaviours of both the child with intellectual disability and their sibling were associated with both 'positive' and 'negative' dimensions of their sibling relationship. This indicates a bidirectional and reciprocal effect.

Modelling triadic relationships in families of children with intellectual disability

Background

Method

Results

Conclusions

Conflicting and harmonious sibling relationships of children and adolescent siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder

BACKGROUND

The presence of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) could have a strong psychological and emotional impact on typical development (TD) siblings, with different ways of adjustment and perception of fraternal relationships. In this study, we aimed to investigate the experience of the TD siblings of children with ASD, combining both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

METHOD

An explanatory sequential design was employed. Forty-four TD siblings of children with ASD, aged 6 to 17 years old, participated in the study. Each participant completed the Sibling Relationship Inventory that investigated warmth, rivalry and conflict in sibling relationships. Moreover, in order to thoroughly evaluate the participants' perception of their sibling relationship, they were asked to draw themselves with their sibling with ASD in a condition of harmony and conflict. The drawings were collected and coded using the well-validated Pictorial Assessment of Interpersonal Relationships. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

In general, TD siblings showed affection for their siblings with ASD. However, males showed more conflict than females. Quantitative analyses of the drawings showed high levels of similarity between the siblings, despite the disability. In drawings, greater cohesion emerged in conditions of harmony and greater distancing in situations of conflict. Content analysis of the drawings showed that the conflict is represented mainly at home and the siblings often show opposite emotions, with TD siblings experiencing negative emotions. Moreover, adolescent TD siblings displayed more annoyance, shame and embarrassment than child TD siblings.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important to combine quantitative and qualitative tools to understand the experience of TD siblings in detail. In particular, drawing is a useful tool for providing quantitative and qualitative information, supplying rich and detailed information that can be well integrated with the results coming from quantitative tools.

Social Connections Among Siblings With and Without Intellectual Disability or Autism

Although the significance of sibling relationships is widely affirmed, little is known about these relationships in young adulthood. In this study, we examined the experiences and perspectives of 155 siblings (ages 18-30) of individuals with intellectual disability or autism. Our focus was on how young adults spend time with their brother or sister with a disability, the ways in which they view their relationship, and the expectations they hold for the future. We found that most siblings spent time together engaging in a wide range of activities, described their relationships as of high quality, and held varied expectations regarding their brother's or sister's future. Several factors were associated with more time spent together and higher quality relationships. We address implications for practice and suggest future directions for research.

The quality of the relationship between typically developing children and their siblings with and without intellectual disability: Insights from children's drawings

The current study examined the relationships of typically developing (TD) children with siblings with and without intellectual disabilities (ID), as expressed in TD children's drawings and questionnaires answered by TD children and their mothers. It also examined group differences in the sibling relationships, as well as the associations between having a sibling with or without ID and sibling relationships, and TD children's social-emotional adjustment. Participants were mothers and their TD children (8-13 years). Some had ID siblings ID (N=28); others had TD siblings (N=31). Sibling relationships were examined via mothers' and target children's completion of questionnaires, and objective visual indicators (location, size, distance) and observed content-based indicators (support, investment, presence of parents) of children's drawings were assessed following the art-based phenomenological analytic approach. Mothers reported on children's social-emotional adjustment. Findings indicated differences in sibling relationships, including higher levels of positive relationships for children with ID siblings. Children's drawings also showed positive relationship aspects for these children. Sibling relationship qualities were significantly associated with children's adjustment. Children's drawings may be a useful data gathering tool to deepen our understanding of unique aspects of sibling relationships.

Impact of growing up with a sibling with a neurodevelopmental disorder on the quality of life of an unaffected sibling: a scoping review

PURPOSE

Growing up with a sibling with a neurodevelopmental disorder can have positive and negative effects on personal, social and emotional well-being; however, little is known about the impacts on unaffected siblings' quality of life. The purpose of this review was to synthesize evidence from studies evaluating the quality of life of unaffected siblings of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

METHOD

A systematic search was conducted on four databases to identify studies reporting the quality of life of unaffected siblings of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

RESULTS

Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Four studies reported impaired quality of life in unaffected siblings of children with neurodevelopmental disorder while three studies reported not the impaired quality of life. Parents reported the lower quality of life for children with or without neurodevelopmental disorders compared to children's self-reports.

CONCLUSIONS

This review provides the mixed evidence on the quality of life in unaffected siblings of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, and identifies the substantial gap in the research regarding the impacts of children's neurodevelopmental disorders on the quality of life of their unaffected siblings. Assessment of unaffected siblings' quality of life is necessary to identify those who may be at risk and to provide support programs for physical and emotional well-being. Future research examining the quality of life of unaffected siblings across a variety of NDD is needed.Implications for rehabilitationGrowing up with a sibling with a neurodevelopmental disorder influences the personal and social development of the unaffected child.Measuring quality of life can have a meaningful impact on the lives of unaffected siblings of children with neurodevelopmental disorders and their families. Evidence generated from such studies can be used by healthcare providers such as physicians, nurses, psychologists, and social workers to recommend appropriate supports to the family and siblings.

Adult Siblings Who Have a Brother or Sister with Autism: Between-Family and Within-Family Variations in Sibling Relationships

Prior research on the sibling relationship in the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has included only one sibling per family. We used multi-level modeling to examine aspects of the sibling relationship in 207 adults who have a brother or sister with ASD from 125 families, investigating variability in sibling relationship quality and pessimism within and between families. We found that there was greater variability in aspects of the sibling relationship with the brother or sister with ASD within families than between families. Sibling individual-level factors were associated with positive affect in the sibling relationship, while family-level factors were associated with the sibling's pessimism about their brother or sister's future. The findings illustrate the unique experiences of siblings within families.

Social Skills in Youth With Spina Bifida: A Longitudinal Multimethod Investigation Comparing Biopsychosocial Predictors

Objective

To examine the relative contributions of neuropsychological (attention and executive function), family (cohesion and conflict), and health (body mass index, lesion level, gross motor function) domains on social skills over time in youth with spina bifida (SB).

Methods

In all, 140 youth with SB (T1 mean age = 11.43 years) and their families participated in the study at baseline with an additional visit 2 years later. Study variables were assessed with multiple methods (questionnaire, medical chart review, observation, neuropsychological tests) and reporters (parents, teachers). Multivariate hierarchical linear regressions determined the predictive power of the three domains for T2 social skills.

Results

Neuropsychological variables accounted for significant variance in mother- and father-reported T2 social skills. Neither family nor health variables contributed significantly to later social skills when other domains were included in the model.

Conclusions

Neuropsychological factors are particularly important for social skill development in youth with SB. Findings can inform screening and intervention practices.

The roles of adult siblings in the lives of people with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities

BACKGROUND

Siblings of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often assume key roles to support their brothers and sisters. For people with more significant support needs, siblings may undertake additional roles and responsibilities throughout their lives. The purpose of the present study was to identify and describe the roles of adult siblings who have a brother or sister with severe IDD.

METHOD

Seventy-nine adult siblings from 19 to 72 years of age completed an online survey with open-ended questions about the roles they play in their relationships with their brother or sister.

RESULTS

Thematic analysis resulted in identification of several roles including caregiver, friend (social partner), advocate, legal representative, sibling (teacher/role model), leisure planner and informal service coordinator.

CONCLUSION

Siblings assume key roles in the lives of people with IDD and need support from family and professionals to perform these roles.

Adolescent Siblings of Individuals With and Without Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Self-Reported Empathy and Feelings About Their Brothers and Sisters

Siblings of brothers or sisters with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are important but understudied family members. As many previous studies have relied on parent report of sibling outcomes, the use of sibling self-report is an important addition to the research. This study assessed the feelings of adolescent siblings toward their brothers or sisters with and without IDD, as well as broader aspects of sibling empathy. Data were collected via a national, online survey from 97 parent-sibling pairs. Siblings of individuals with IDD reported higher levels of anxiety toward the target child than did siblings of typically developing individuals. Sibling feelings toward the target child were related to both parental and target child factors, but only among families of individuals with IDD.

Sibling Relationships in Adolescence and Early Adulthood With People Who Have Intellectual Disability

Cross-sectional (N = 106) and longitudinal (N = 35) samples of siblings (ages 11-38) reported on closeness and conflict in their relationships with sisters and brothers with intellectual disability. For closeness, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) distinguished feelings of emotional closeness from reciprocal sharing behaviors for these siblings. Age effects and changes over time indicated increasing emotional closeness and a general reduction in conflict from adolescence to young adulthood, with stable reciprocal sharing. Cross-sectionally, closeness was greater when siblings were involved in caregiving, and conflict was less when siblings no longer co-resided. Sibling constellation features (sex, birth order, age spacing) had limited effects at this developmental period. Findings support a combination of life-span developmental change and enduring attachment in these sibling relationships.

Growing up with cerebral palsy: perceptions of the influence of family

BACKGROUND

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive condition present from birth or infancy that includes various neurological patterns of dysfunction. It is characterized by abnormal motor control and/or posture and can involve communication difficulties. Children and youth with CP face multiple social and developmental challenges during their formative years including mild to severe physical limitations, poor socialization, limited recreational activities, and stigmatization. Families play a key role in supporting adaptation to CP. The purpose of this paper was to explore women's perceptions of the ways their families contributed to their overall quality of life with CP.

METHODS

Drawing on data from a qualitative study of eight women with CP, the purpose of this analysis was to examine perceptions of the ways in which their families and individual family members contributed to participants' overall quality of life and adaptation to CP. Respondents ranged in age from 22 years to 55 years and had varied forms of CP. The study was based on a feminist biographical approach, which combines biographical methods with feminist principles.

RESULTS

Participants provided considerable, rich contextual data on their family life and the pivotal role family played. The analysis identified four themes related to supportive family roles: (1) being an advocate, and teaching advocacy; (2) promoting inclusion and acceptance; (3) integrating therapy into daily life; and (4) the importance of siblings as friends and mentors.

CONCLUSIONS

Health-care providers can contribute to the family's ability to facilitate quality of life by providing guidance on how to be advocates and teach advocacy, including the child with CP in family activities, accessing therapy and incorporating beneficial therapies at home, and promoting healthy sibling relationships.

The third rail of family systems: sibling relationships, mental and behavioral health, and preventive intervention in childhood and adolescence

Sibling relationships are an important context for development, but are often ignored in research and preventive interventions with youth and families. In childhood and adolescence, siblings spend considerable time together, and siblings' characteristics and sibling dynamics substantially influence developmental trajectories and outcomes. This paper reviews research on sibling relationships in childhood and adolescence, focusing on sibling dynamics as part of the family system and sibling influences on adjustment problems, including internalizing and externalizing behaviors and substance use. We present a theoretical model that describes three key pathways of sibling influence: one that extends through siblings' experiences with peers and school, and two that operate largely through family relationships. We then describe the few existing preventive interventions that target sibling relationships and discuss the potential utility of integrating siblings into child and family programs.

The siblings relationship of adolescents with and without intellectual disabilities

The sibling relationship of adolescents with and without intellectual disabilities was examined. Participants were 70 sibling dyads--each dyad was comprised of one 12-year old adolescent with (N=23) or without intellectual disabilities (N=47). Sibling relationships, behavior problems, and social skills were assessed using mother reports. Results revealed three findings. First, for typically developing adolescents, mothers reported more warmth in the sibling relationship for opposite sex dyads. For adolescents with intellectual disabilities, mothers reported more warmth in the sibling relationship for same-sex dyads. Second, for typically developing adolescents, mothers reported more status/power differences when the sibling was younger than when the sibling was older. For adolescents with intellectual disabilities, birth order did not affect status/power in the sibling relationship. Third, for typically developing adolescents, conflict was related to internalizing behavior problems. For adolescents with intellectual disabilities, conflict was related to externalizing behavior problems. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.

Predictors of helping profession choice and volunteerism among siblings of adults with mild intellectual deficits

This study examined aspects of the sibling relationship that predicted helping profession choice and volunteerism in siblings of individuals with mild intellectual deficits at 3 points in adulthood: their mid-30s, early 50s, and mid-60s. The 393 respondents were from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, a prospective, longitudinal study following participants from ages 18 to 64 years. Being an only sibling predicted greater helping profession choice for female but not male siblings. Being older than the brother or sister with mild intellectual deficits as well as having more contact with and feeling closer to that brother or sister predicted more volunteerism for female but not for male siblings. Earlier measures of contact and closeness were better predictors of volunteerism than concurrent measures.