The emotional well-being of older siblings of children who are deaf or hard of hearing and older siblings of children with typical hearing

Abstract

This study explores the emotional well-being of older siblings of children who are deaf or hard of hearing and older siblings of children with typical hearing (control group). We interviewed 70 families and had both the parent and the older sibling complete questionnaires on sibling perceptions and relationships. Findings revealed no significant differences between older siblings in the two groups on psychological variables, parental attention, and household responsibilities. However, gender differences did emerge. Parent and child ratings on questionnaires were similar, with the exception of interpersonal concerns. Regarding group relations, the older siblings of children who are deaf or hard of hearing showed fewer behavioral problems as the severity of the hearing loss increased. Also, older siblings who had a more positive temperament exhibited fewer behavior problems. The lack of significant differences between the two groups suggests that older siblings of children who are deaf and hard of hearing experience a spectrum of positive and negative feelings similar to those of older siblings of children with typical hearing.