The relationship between family functioning and sibling adjustment in families with a child with a developmental disability.
Item
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Title
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The relationship between family functioning and sibling adjustment in families with a child with a developmental disability.
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Identifier
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AAI3008869
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identifier
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3008869
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Creator
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Sgandurra, Carolyn A.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Marian C. Fish
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Date
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2001
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Psychology, Clinical | Psychology, Developmental
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Abstract
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This study is an investigation into the mediational effects of family functioning, specifically adaptability, cohesion, problem-solving communication, and coping/resiliency skills, on the social-emotional adjustment (i.e., self-concept and anxiety) of non-disabled siblings of children with developmental disabilities.;Two groups of families (28 families per group) participated in this study: families raising a child with a developmental disability and families raising children with typical development. Mothers and fathers in both groups each completed standardized measures of family functioning: The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Environment Scale (FACES II), the Family Crisis Oriented Personal Scales (F-COPES), and the Family Problem-Solving Communication Scale (FPSC). One parent completed a family profile questionnaire that measured the severity of the disability and the extent of the sibling's household and childcare responsibilities. In addition, non-disabled siblings of children with developmental disabilities and siblings of non-disabled children, ages 8--14, completed two measures of social-emotional adjustment: The Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale (CSCS) and the Reynolds' Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS).;Results indicate that families of children with and without developmental disabilities show similar family functioning and siblings show similar anxiety and self-concept. Family problem-solving communication significantly predicted siblings' adjustment, and group status also significantly predicted lower self-concept for siblings of children with developmental disabilities as compared to siblings of children with typical development. Information on the severity of the disability and family functioning variables also significantly predicted adjustment. These findings provide support for programs that facilitate effective family problem-solving communication, such as family counseling and support groups, and programs which provide opportunities for siblings to experience positive relationships with the special needs child, such as siblings workshops.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
