"SIBLING KNOWS BEST": A Sequential-Explanatory Study of Role Adjustment of Siblings of Children with Childhood Developmental Disorders

Abstract

There is a paucity of research on sibling relations and stressors experienced by individuals who have at least one sibling with developmental disorder. This study sought to describe the stressors encountered by the siblings of children diagnosed with Childhood Developmental Disorders (CDD), identify the frequency of the coping mechanisms they employed; and determine the types of sibling relationships they have with their brothers or sisters who have a disorder. The study also investigated the correlation of coping mechanisms, and sibling relationship in terms of sex. It also explored the role adjustments and their correlation with coping mechanisms and sibling relationship of the participants. This study utilized mixed-method sequential-explanatory designs. Participants in the survey were 44 siblings (19 males and 25 females) of children with CDD, aged 14-24, residing in Manila, Cavite, and Bulacan. Non-probability sampling were assigned to all 44 participants. Five participants in the in-depth interviews and eight participants in the focus group discussion were chosen on the basis of their scores in the surveys. Results show that stressors were caused by the disruptive behaviors of their siblings diagnosed with CDD and the most frequently used coping mechanisms are intrapersonal coping and family relationship. No significant correlation between sex groups of participants and coping mechanism (p = 0.180) were found which indicate that participants are nearly homogenous in the type of coping mechanisms used. In terms of sibling relationship, positive attachment has a higher mean score (M = 3.80) than conflict/rivalry (M = 2.61). Although females exhibited the highest average mean score for positive attachment, results indicate that there is no significant correlation between sex groups and sibling relationships of the respondents (p = 0.636). The average mean scores in role adjustment were interpreted as moderately adjusted (Sibling support system=3.65; Perception of New Responsibilities=3.17; Psychological Adjustment= 3.30; and Socio-cultural Adjustment=3.42). There is also a positive high correlation between role adjustment and coping mechanism (p = 0.000). Further, the association between role adjustment and sibling relationship also showed a significant correlation (p = 0.000).