Consider the Siblings: A Mixed-Method Study on the Short-Term and Long-Term Consequences of Having a Sibling With a Physical and/or Cognitive Disability and Perceived Support

Abstract

The goal of this study is to understand the short-term and long-term consequences of having a sibling who has a physical and/or cognitive disability for short-term and long-term psychological well-being and the perceived support available to these individuals. According to family systems theory, if there is a lack of support provided to individuals with a sibling with a disability, that individual may experience disruptions to their psychological well-being due to the disequilibrium in one or more dyads within the system. Using a mixed-method approach, emerging adults who have a sibling with a physical and/or cognitive disability participated in one-on-one interviews via Zoom (N = 13) or completed an online survey (N = 63). Qualitative data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analytic approach, and quantitative data were analyzed using linear regression. Quantitative results revealed minor short-term consequences and no long-term consequences for psychological well-being, but qualitative results revealed strained relationships with siblings and parents, lack of parental attention, lack of information about sibling's diagnosis, and the child playing a parental role. Quantitative and qualitative data also revealed that parental support contributed the most to psychological well-being, in addition to educational support and developing a close relationship with the sibling. Implications for family systems theory and families with a child with a disability are discussed.