Psychological Adjustment of Siblings of Children with Disabilities

Abstract

The impact of disabled child on the psychosocial adjustment and self concept of siblings in the family was examined by comparing healthy siblings of children with cerebral palsy and mental retardation with a comparison group of siblings of healthy children from demographically matched families. No significant differences were found between the siblings of disabled children and those of healthy children on measures of psychosocial adjustment, self concept ratings, and intelligence. Overall, the results failed to support the proposition that siblings of disabled children are at greater risk for developing psychosocial adjustment problems. The discussion focuses on the implications of these findings for research on the protective mechanisms and coping in children living in adverse family circumstances. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved). (journal abstract)