Premium
Maternal perceptions of sibling adaptation in K orean families of children with D own syndrome
Author(s) -
Choi H.,
Van Riper M.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of intellectual disability research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.941
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1365-2788
pISSN - 0964-2633
DOI - 10.1111/jir.12126
Subject(s) - sibling , developmental psychology , adaptation (eye) , sibling relationship , psychology , psychological intervention , perception , clinical psychology , psychiatry , neuroscience
Background It is estimated that more than 500 infants with D own syndrome ( DS ) are born each year in K orea. DS affects not only these individuals, but family members as well. Some siblings deal successfully with the challenges of living with a child with DS and adapt well while others struggle or fail to adapt. The aims of this descriptive study were to explore how K orean mothers of children with DS perceive the adaptation of their typically developing ( TD ) children aged 4 to 19 and how family variables contribute to sibling adaptation. Method This descriptive, cross‐sectional study was conducted with 105 K orean mothers. Results Most mothers indicated that their TD children were not experiencing psychological or behavioural problems; however, many described problems in the sibling relationship. It was found that family factors (i.e. condition management effort, condition management ability, child's daily life, parental mutuality, family hardiness and social support) were strong predictors of sibling psychological, behavioural and relational adaptation. Demographic characteristics of the child with DS , the mother and the family appeared to significantly influence sibling adaptation. Conclusions These findings highlight the importance of familial contexts in understanding sibling adaptation. Knowledge of family factors associated with better adaptation in K orean siblings of child with DS will facilitate the development of culturally appropriate interventions for these children and their families. In addition, an awareness of demographic characteristics associated with sibling adaptation will help health care professionals identify siblings who are at increased risk of experiencing difficulties in adapting.