Am I my Brother’s Keeper? Interviews with Individuals who have Siblings with Disabilities

Abstract

Research on the impact of having a sibling with a disability has been contradictory in that some studies have cited positive lived experiences, while others have cited a negative impact on health and emotional well-being. This study explores the impact of having a sibling with a disability on typically developing adults. We explore this issue through several psychological constructs, including identity, attachment, family dynamics, responsibilities towards siblings, etc. We used grounded theory as a framework to conduct semi-structured interviews with ten individuals who had siblings with disabilities. Recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed. The participants reported varied experiences regarding parent-sibling dynamics, the concept of disability, cultural aspects, current relationships with their siblings, employment, and relating to others in society. Implications for research and practice in counselor education and special education will be discussed.