The experiences of Latino siblings of children with developmental disabilities

Risk and resilience factors impacting the mental health and wellbeing of siblings of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions: A mixed methods systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This pre-registered systematic review synthesised and evaluated the existing literature on self-reported mental health and wellbeing of siblings of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs).

METHODS

From 2437 identified studies published 2000-2022, 81 studies were included: 14 population- or cohort-based, 39 quantitative, 7 mixed method, and 21 qualitative outcome studies.

RESULTS

Seven sibling mental health (any psychiatric disorder, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, internalising and externalising difficulties) and five wellbeing indicators were identified (quality of life, emotional adjustment, social wellbeing, somatic/physical wellbeing, and resilience/growth). Overall, siblings had increased risk of any psychiatric disorder, but they also reported experiences of growth and resilience, primarily in qualitative studies. 41 risk factors and 24 resilience factors associated with these outcomes were identified; the most frequently cited risk factor was symptom severity of the NDC sibling, while the most common resilience factor was adaptive/active coping at the individual sibling level. Studies showed high methodological heterogeneity and 90 different self-report measures were used.

CONCLUSIONS

Sibling mental health indictors are heterogeneous and cumulative risk factors may result in poorer wellbeing. There is a need for consistent reporting of family and sibling characteristics, a strengths-based approach to assessment, and identification of protective and resilience-promoting factors.

Familism and Parenting Stress in Latinx Caregivers of Young Children with Developmental Delays

Several studies have documented the difficult experience of raising a child with a developmental delay (DD; DeGrace et al., 2014) but the majority of research has focused on non-Latinx White families and their experiences in childrearing and interacting with service providers (Hayes & Watson, 2013; Blanche et al., 2015). Additionally, stigma associated with mental illness and DD disproportionally affects Latinx communities (Burke et al., 2019). Familism plays a unique role among families of Latinx backgrounds (Moore, 1970; Coohey, 2001) and may act as a buffer to caregiver mental health. The current study aims to (1) determine the association between affiliate stigma and parenting stress among Latinx parents of young children with DD and (2) test whether familism moderates the relationship between affiliate stigma and parenting stress. Results revealed that the relationship between affiliate stigma and parenting stress was strongest in caregivers who reported low levels of familism, suggesting that familism may act as a buffer. More research is needed to further unpack the protective factors of familism on caregiver mental health.

Anxiety, Stress, and Resilience Strategies in Parents of Children with Typical and Late Psychosocial Development: Comparative Analysis

The child’s developmental characteristics influence the psycho-social features in the behavior of parents. This aspect is relevant in building effective strategies for psychological and socio-educational assistance to parents for an increased quality of family life. The aim of the present study is to investigate the differences in anxiety, stress, and resilience strategies in the case of parents with children with late psychosocial development and those with children with neurotypical development. The research sample consisted of 620 subjects (380 women, 240 men, divided into two equal categories: parents of children with late development and with neurotypical development). The questionnaire survey (Levenstein’s Perceived Stress Questionnaire for stress and Hobfoll’s Strategic Approach to Coping Scale for resilience strategies) and interview (Hamilton’s Anxiety Rating Scale for anxiety) were used. The anxiety levels did not differ significantly (t = 0.45, p = 0.65), but there were differences in the perceived stress levels (t = −7.10, p = 0.03). As for resilience strategies, significant differences were found for assertive action, social communion, precautionary action, and seeking social support, which were more pronounced strategies that were used by parents of children with late psychosocial development.

Siblings of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities: a systematic review on their quality of life perceptions in the context of a family

Background: Within Family Quality of Life (FQoL) research, perceptions of siblings of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the setting of a family are limited studied. The aim of this systematic review is to find relevant information about quality of life perceptions of siblings of people with IDD. Two main questions guided this review: (1) what are the siblings' perceptions on quality of life in the context of their family? (2) what needs and challenges do siblings have regarding their quality of life as siblings of individuals with IDD? Methods: A systematic search was conducted using Scopus, PsycInfo, ERIC and Web of Science databases, involving keywords and combinations such as Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Family Quality of Life and siblings. Results: We identified a total of 48 articles. Analysis showed siblings' diverse perceptions of quality of life and their multiple experiences, needs, desires and concerns. Conclusions: Results contribute to knowledge about the quality of life and well-being of siblings of all ages. Suggestions for support, interventions and future research are given, such as the necessity of educating local communities regarding siblings' needs, the study of siblings' experiences in different cultural contexts or the importance of conducting research with clear theoretical frameworks and focused on the multiple components that might be influencing siblings' quality of life.

Cultural Influences on Sibling Relationships, Roles, and Self-Concept in the Context of Autism: Perspectives of Latino/a/x and non-Latino/a/x Siblings

Siblings describe positive and negative aspects of autism and often assume lifelong support roles. Less is known about cultural influences on sibling relationships. This qualitative study characterizes processes linking siblings' autism conceptualizations, sibling relationships, and self-concept using a multicultural framework. Siblings (12 Latino/a/x, 9 non-Latino/a/x white) participated. Data were stratified by ethnicity and analyzed using applied thematic analysis. Latino/a/x and non-Latino/a/x siblings described processes linking autism, relationships, and self-concept differently. Latino/a/x siblings emphasized family roles and identified as caregivers and protectors. Non-Latino/a/x siblings emphasized general sensitivity toward individuals who differed from themselves. Findings may reflect cultural differences in familism, caregiving expectations, and autism conceptualizations, thereby illuminating foundations of siblings' lifelong caregiving roles and highlighting the importance of culturally-sensitive, family-centered care.

Effects of Nature-Based Group Art Therapy Programs on Stress, Self-Esteem and Changes in Electroencephalogram (EEG) in Non-Disabled Siblings of Children with Disabilities

The purpose of the present study was to examine changes in brain waves, stress, and self-esteem after a continuous eight-week nature-based art therapy program in the forest in non-disabled siblings of children with disabilities. A total of 29 participants participated in this study (art therapy program group, n = 18; control group, n = 11). The art therapy program group received eight weekly sessions of art therapy lasting 60 min each. Pre- and post-test results showed positive changes in the brain function index and stress levels of the participants in the art therapy program group. On the self-esteem scale, overall and social self-esteem increased significantly. In conclusion, creative activities in the forest can increase resistance to diseases through mechanisms that relieve stress and increase self-esteem. If art therapy that emphasizes somatosensory experience, creative expression, and self-motivation is accompanied by forest activities, this combined intervention can elicit positive physical and psychological changes.

A scoping review of cross-cultural experiences of siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the United States

BACKGROUND

Siblings undergo unique experiences in growing up with brothers and sisters with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Although sibling relationships or adjustments among individuals with IDD have received greater attention from the disability field, there has been still less attention to how cultural identities (e.g., race, ethnicity) may influence experiences of siblings of individuals with IDD.

AIM

This study used scoping review methodology to understand cross-cultural experiences of siblings of individuals with IDD in the United States.

METHOD

Eight articles met inclusion criteria, using the PubMed, Web of Knowledge, PsycINFO, and ERIC databases.

RESULTS

Studies reported the impact of cultural identities on sibling emotional and behavioral functioning, school functioning, and caregiving responsibilities.

CONCLUSIONS

The need for culturally responsive sibling interventions and implications for international contexts is discussed.

Communication between parents and well-siblings in the context of living with a child with a life-threatening or life-limiting condition

Effective parent-child communication may serve to buffer the potential negative impacts of stressful situations on a child. Children who have a brother or sister with a life-threatening or life-limiting medical condition may turn to their parents for help with comprehending the situation, to help maintain their own ability to function across various life areas or to receive emotional support. There is a need for more investigation into the nature and importance of parent-child communication in the context of living with a seriously ill brother or sister. The current paper presents a framework of parent-sibling communication in the context of living with a seriously unwell child, distinguishing the focus of communication (illness-related vs. non-illness-related) and the purpose of communication (information-provision vs. emotional support). Such a framework offers a holistic approach to exploring some of the challenges of communication between parents and well-siblings. The state of current knowledge regarding the focus and purpose of communication between parents and well-siblings is reviewed, and implications for research and possible clinical applications discussed.

Using administrative data to examine variables affecting the mental health of siblings of children who have a developmental disability

BACKGROUND

There is evidence that siblings of children with a developmental disability (DD) experience poorer mental health outcomes and increased stress compared to siblings of non-disabled children. The variables which contribute to this are unclear.

AIMS

This study was designed to examine population-level and individual variables associated with differences in mental health outcomes among siblings of children who have a variety of developmental disabilities.

METHODS

Population-level administrative health data covering 1985-2014 for the province of British Columbia, Canada were used to develop a cohort of over 45,000 children who have a sibling with a DD. Individual-level, demographic and health care services variables were used in logistic regression to assess their relationship to diagnoses of depression or other mental health problems.

OUTCOMES

Odds of a diagnosis of depression or a mental health problem other than depression were associated with sex of the non-disabled sibling, sex of the child with the developmental disability, type of disability, birth order and income.

CONCLUSIONS

Type of developmental disability, and characteristics of the non-disabled sibling and their family are associated with mental health outcomes of siblings of children with a DD.

Autism spectrum disorder and the science of social work: A grand challenge for social work research

The social work profession has not yet taken a leadership role in addressing the myriad of challenges that individuals on the autism spectrum encounter across the lifespan. In this essay, we argue that social workers are well equipped to engage in research and practice aimed at promoting full and meaningful inclusion in society, as well as social and economic justice, for individuals on the autism spectrum. We highlight short- and long-term goals that provide the social work profession with a framework to engage in research, practice, education, and advocacy aimed at supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

Family empowerment and quality of life of parents raising children with Developmental Disabilities in 78 Japanese families

OBJECTIVES

The families of these children experience distress both at the time of diagnosis and afterward. A top priority is to understand family empowerment, family function, and family members' quality of life (QoL) and to effectively support these families in Japan. The objective of this study was to assess the actual conditions of families living with children having DDs and to explore the factors associated with family empowerment and parents' QoL.

METHODS

We surveyed ninety-three parents (78 mothers, 15 fathers) from 78 families which lived with children with DDs in the capital region of Japan. We assessed two main outcomes using the Japanese versions of the following instruments: Family Empowerment Scale (FES), World Health Organization Quality of Life 26 (WHOQOL26), and other six outcomes. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

No medication, cooperation with child rearing, assistance from a developmental support center, solved problems related to child rearing, and higher scores in Problem Solving contributed to higher FES scores. Higher WHOQOL26 scores were related to being a full-time housewife, higher self-esteem, no developmental support, a broad emotional support network, higher scores in Problem Solving and Role Function, and lower scores in Affective Reaction and General Function.

CONCLUSIONS

We revealed that family empowerment and QoL of parents rearing children with DDs in Japan were affected by various subscales of family function and other family attributes. Effective interventions for improving family empowerment and QoL should be researched in the future.

A relational understanding of sibling experiences of children with rare life-limiting conditions: findings from a qualitative study

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) and Batten disease are rare life-limiting conditions (LLCs) characterised by progressive and permanent physical and cognitive decline. The impact of such conditions on families, and notably on siblings, has not yet been described or documented. This paper presents data from a UK-wide study that sought to understand the family experience of supporting a child with the rare degenerative LLCs of MPS and Batten disease. The aim of this paper is to report sibling experiences related to these rare degenerative and progressive conditions, in order to inform the future development of supportive interventions. Eight siblings of children with MPS (n = 7) and Batten Disease (n = 1) participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews. A card sort technique was utilised to support and engage the children. Siblings are clearly impacted emotionally, pragmatically and relationally by the ill health of another child in the family. The data indicate four key themes which demonstrate impacts on siblings: perceptions of the condition and its symptoms, impact on daily life, emotional consequences and ways of coping. Siblings often had considerable knowledge of the condition and took on important roles in symptom management. However, these experiences were in the context of managing relationships within the family (often protecting parents from an awareness of how much they knew) and relationships at school (including distraction from learning and being bullied by peers). The data highlight how sibling experiences are generated through a combination of negative disability discourses and support through peers and family members. The data indicate how these features shift as a consequence of witnessing the advancement of their brother's or sister's condition and the emotional sequelae of disease progression. Exploration of siblings' experiences of living with such rare progressive and degenerative LLCs suggest the focus of interventions to support this group should address their emotional health and ways to overcome isolation and build connections with other siblings who share their unique experiences. Critically, the data suggest that sibling support should be cognisant of the trajectory of the illness as well as the family, school and peer relational contexts that siblings inhabit.