Research on the families of the disabled
suggest that the advent of a child with a
disability will cause a far-reaching effect on
the mother, father, siblings and the family's
relationship with the outside world. Researchers
have differed on the extent and causes of
difficulties faced by the siblings, with many
inconsistencies and contradictions shown. Some
studies have found behavioural problems and
lowered self-esteem, and others suggest an
increase in altruism and compassion. An
investigative study was implemented, with
siblings from 29 families with a disabled child,
matched with siblings from 29 families with no
identified disabled sibling. Patterns of family
outings, the use of support services and
perceptions of difficulties faced by the family
were examined. The matched siblings were
compared on the Coopersmith Self-Esteem
Inventory, measures of altruism, and behaviour
as seen by both teachers and parents. The
children also were questioned on their
perception of family cohesion and their
involvement with other family members. Major
findings of the study were a pattern of social
isolation for the families, and perception of
isolation within and outside the family for both
the parents and the siblings. The siblings
scored significantly lower on the Coopersmith
Inventory, and parents perceived them as having
more behavioural difficulties than the controls'
parents. No significant difference in altruism
was found between the two groups of siblings.
The finding that some siblings are coping well,
whilst others are showing severe difficulties is
ilustrated by four case studies. A number of
limitation s of the study are discussed.
particularly the wide range of variables
investigated, and difficulties with some
instruments. Further areas of research are
suggested, including exploring the relationships
and interactions within the family. It is
concluded that for both the siblings and the
whole family, the development of strong support
networks and help in reframing perceptions and
expectations may help to overcome the feelings
of intra-family and extra-family isolation.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/219300 |
| Date | January 1986 |
| Creators | Roe, Diana, n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Education |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Diana Roe |
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