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Veerman LK, Fjermestad KW, Vatne TM, Sterkenburg PS, Derks SD, Brouwer-van Dijken AA, Willemen AM. Cultural applicability and desirability of 'Broodles': The first serious game intervention for siblings of children with disabilities. PEC INNOVATION 2024; 4:100277. [PMID: 38590338 PMCID: PMC11000116 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2024.100277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Objective Serious games can serve as easily accessible interventions to support siblings of children with disabilities, who are at risk of developing mental health problems. The Dutch serious game 'Broodles' was developed for siblings aged 6-9 years. The current study aims to assess the cultural applicability, desirability, feasibility, and acceptability of 'Broodles' in Norway. Methods Norwegian siblings (N = 16) aged 6-13 years and parents (N = 12) of children with intellectual disabilities assessed the game. Their feedback data from interviews and questionnaires were sorted using a model of engagement factors in serious games. Results At pre-use, participants showed interest in the game, and after initial use the participants were overall positive about the format, content and objectives, including validation of emotions and recognition. The participants had suggestions for improved engagement and feasibility. Conclusion The game was found to be culturally applicable, desirable and acceptable, although Norwegian translation is necessary for further evaluation. Recommendations to enhance engagement were provided, including suggestions to play the game with parents or in a group. Innovation This initial assessment of the serious game Broodles in a non-Dutch setting shows promise for an innovative way of supporting siblings of children with disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda K.M. Veerman
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health, LEARN!, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Krister W. Fjermestad
- University of Oslo, Boks 1072 Blindern, 0316, Oslo, Norway
- Frambu Resource Center for Rare Disorders, Sandbakkveien 18, 1404, Siggerud, Norway
| | - Torun M. Vatne
- University of Oslo, Boks 1072 Blindern, 0316, Oslo, Norway
- Frambu Resource Center for Rare Disorders, Sandbakkveien 18, 1404, Siggerud, Norway
| | - Paula S. Sterkenburg
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health, LEARN!, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Bartiméus, Oude Arnhemse Bovenweg 3, 3941 XM, Doorn, the Netherlands
| | - Suzanne D.M. Derks
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health, LEARN!, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Agnes M. Willemen
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health, LEARN!, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Wolff B, Magiati I, Roberts R, Skoss R, Glasson EJ. Psychosocial Interventions and Support Groups for Siblings of Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Conditions: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review of Sibling Self-reported Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2023; 26:143-189. [PMID: 36175605 PMCID: PMC9879846 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-022-00413-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Siblings of persons with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) have increased risk of poorer psychosocial functioning. This systematic review evaluated quantitative and qualitative evidence on sibling mental health and wellbeing outcomes following psychosocial interventions and the risk and protective factors associated with post-intervention outcomes. From 2025 identified studies published from 1991 to 2022 across ten databases, 24 studies were included. The largest immediate post-intervention improvements were in self-esteem, social wellbeing and knowledge of NDCs. The most sustained improvements in intervention groups at follow-up periods were in emotional and behavioural adjustment and NDC knowledge. There were positive, but small, differences in favour of the intervention groups on knowledge of NDCs, self-esteem, coping and the sibling relationship as compared to waitlist control groups. Psychosocial interventions for siblings are heterogeneous, and more data, including consideration of unique family circumstances, are needed to improve reporting and replicability, to measure effectiveness and tailor necessary supports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Wolff
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
- Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
| | - Iliana Magiati
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Rachel Roberts
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Rachel Skoss
- Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, Australia
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western, Perth, Australia
| | - Emma J Glasson
- Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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McVey AJ, Liu Q, Bedford SA, Zaidman-Zait A, Szatmari P, Smith IM, Vaillancourt T, Zwaigenbaum L, Bennett T, Duku E, Elsabbagh M, Georgiades S, Kerns CM. Examining clinical characteristics of autism and links with parent perceptions of sibling relationship quality. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:309-320. [PMID: 35510331 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221094672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Sibling relationship quality is important for the well-being of children on the autism spectrum and their siblings. Little is known, however, about how varied behavior and abilities of children on the autism spectrum may be associated with parent perceptions of domains of sibling relationship quality. We drew data from a subsample of 119 children on the autism spectrum (ages 10-11 years), participating in an ongoing longitudinal study. We looked at how three clinical characteristics (autism symptoms, behavioral difficulties, and communication ability) related to four areas of parent-reported sibling relationship quality (warmth/closeness, conflict, relative status/power, and rivalry). We also examined whether the strength of the association between behavioral difficulties and parent-reported sibling relationship quality was influenced by communication ability. We found that more severe autism symptoms were associated with less conflict and rivalry, and higher communication ability was associated with more relative status/power. We also found that children on the autism spectrum with more behavioral difficulties and weaker communication ability had less warmth/closeness in their sibling relationships. Our findings highlight that it is important to consider autism symptoms, behavioral difficulties, and communication ability, as well as multiple domains of relationship quality, to better understand how parents view the relationships between autistic children and their siblings. Clinically, methods for improving sibling relationships may include teaching conflict resolution strategies to children on the autism spectrum with stronger communication abilities and their siblings, and fostering sibling connection for those with lower communication abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana J McVey
- University of British Columbia, Canada.,University of Washington, USA
| | - Quinn Liu
- University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Saashi A Bedford
- University of British Columbia, Canada.,University of Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Teresa Bennett
- McMaster University, Canada.,Offord Centre for Child Studies, Canada
| | - Eric Duku
- McMaster University, Canada.,Offord Centre for Child Studies, Canada
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Agnew CN, Fiani T, Jones EA. What If You Can’t Ask Them? Psychometric Properties of a Behavioral Assessment of Sibling Relationship Quality. Behav Modif 2022; 47:670-692. [PMID: 36330604 DOI: 10.1177/01454455221130003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Building on studies of preferences for social interaction in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) we sought to provide a way for siblings with ASD to express their perspective about the quality of their sibling relationships. We developed a behavioral assessment of sibling relationship preference (Sibling Relationship Assessment [SRA]) and examined the psychometric properties of test-retest reliability, inter-rater reliability, and convergent validity. The SRA was feasible to administer and revealed expected differences between sibling dyads with one sibling with ASD compared to typically-developing sibling dyads. We found strong positive correlations for inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability and convergent validity. The SRA provides a way to assess the perspective of the sibling with ASD that taps one characteristic, preference for spending time with one’s sibling, of the quality of sibling relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene N. Agnew
- Queens College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York, Queens, NY, USA
- City University of New York, Flushing, NY, USA
- SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Theresa Fiani
- Queens College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York, Queens, NY, USA
- FTF Behavioral Consulting, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Emily A. Jones
- Queens College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York, Queens, NY, USA
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