Empirical Examination of Caregiving Processes and Outcomes among Adult Siblings of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Background : Most individuals with disabilities in the US live in family settings; in some families, siblings are default long-term support providers. Although researchers have explored the roles of parent caregivers, the roles of sibling caregivers need attention. Methods : In this study, we examined caregiving processes and outcomes among 322 adult sibling support providers (SSPs) with a range of support roles. Adapting a model of caregiving outcomes, we used structural equation modeling to assess relationships among perceived social support, demands, appraisal of caregiving, empowerment, and depression. Results and Conclusions : Results indicate significant associations among most variables. Appraisal of caregiving emerged as a partial mediator, suggesting that the meaning that SSPs make of their experiences exerts influence on their sense of empowerment and depressive symptoms.