Abstract

This study examined the adjustment of nondisabled siblings of children with a disability. Factors such as family income and characteristics of the nondisabled child as they relate to psychological, behavioral, and academic functioning, and parents' perceptions regarding the needs of nondisabled siblings were explored. Specific attention was given to determining parents' interest in sibling support groups. Study participants consisted of 65 parents who had at least one child between the ages of 5 and 21 with a disability and at least one nondisabled child between. the ages of 5 and 18. The primary caregiver was asked to complete a 22 question Sibling Needs Assessment Survey as well as the rate the behavior of the nondisabled sibling on the Behavior Evaluation Scale-2 Home Version. Significant main effects were found for age and sex of the nondisabled sibling with respect to academic difficulties. More academic difficulties were reported when the nondisabled sibling was older than the child with a disability. In addition, males were rated as having significantly higher problems with school performance than, females. Family income was not found to have a significant effect on the psychological, behavioral, or academic functioning of the nondisabled siblings.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Developmentally disabled children--Family relationships; Children with disabilities--Family relationships; Brothers and sisters

Publication Date

4-17-1998

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

Department of Psychology (CLA)

Advisor

Gurly, G.

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: HV888.5 .C37 1998

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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