Psychological growth among siblings of children with and without intellectual disabilities.
Teen siblings of kids with ID report personal growth, but clinicians should track how feelings shift with age.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Findler et al. (2009) asked teenagers about life with a brother or sister who has an intellectual disability. They compared answers to teens whose siblings have no disability.
The team used surveys and rating scales. They looked at personal growth, social skills, and spiritual values.
What they found
Teens with a disabled sibling said they grew more as people. They felt stronger, kinder, and more connected to others.
Two things helped most: feeling like their own person and sensing mom loved all kids equally.
How this fits with other research
Heald et al. (2020) later asked the same questions to adults. Those adults reported more sadness and worry, not growth. The difference is age: teens see upside, adults feel load.
Milevsky et al. (2022) talked in depth to adults. Stories matched both papers: growth sticks, but so does anxiety about dating and future care.
McQuaid et al. (2024) tracked kids over time. Warm sibling ties predicted better social skills later for the child with ID. Good relationships help both kids.
Why it matters
Frame sibling support around strength, not risk. Ask teens, 'What have you learned from your brother?' Praise their patience or humor. Check that parents show equal warmth. For adults, add questions about stress and future planning. A quick drawing from younger kids can show how they really view the bond.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
The presence of a child with an intellectual disability is often perceived as a cloud hanging over the heads of their siblings, placing them at risk of developing a variety of problems. Only recently have siblings been examined for the positive aspects of this life situation, such as the potential to experience psychological growth. Adopting J. A. Schaffer and G. H. Moos' (1992) theoretical framework, this study investigated the contribution of perceived stress, self-differentiation, and parental preference to the personal, social, and spiritual growth of siblings. Participants comprised 101 siblings of children with intellectual disabilities and 89 siblings of children with typical development (age range = 13-19 years). Results indicated that siblings of children with intellectual disabilities evidence higher levels of growth, with self-differentiation and perceived maternal preference acting as the main contributors to this growth.
Intellectual and developmental disabilities, 2009 · doi:10.1352/2009.47:1-12