Family Variables Associated With Well-Being in Siblings of Children With Down Syndrome

The purpose of this research was to examine relationships among family demands, family resources, family problem-solving communication, family coping, and sibling well-being in 41 families of children with Down syndrome. The guiding framework for this research was the resiliency model of family stress, adjustment, and adaptation. Mailed questionnaires were completed by mothers and siblings closest in age to the children with Down syndrome. Results indicate that, as a group, the siblings in this study had favorable self-concepts. In addition, maternal reports typically indicated that these siblings were socially competent, with a low incidence of behavior problems. All four family variables were significantly associated with at least one of the indicators of sibling well-being. This research adds a critical piece, the sibling piece, to a fascinating puzzle concerning how families respond to the multiple challenges associated with raising a child with Down syndrome.