Degree Name

Master of Science in Education (MSEd)

Semester of Degree Completion

1990

Thesis Director

Judith J. Ivarie

Abstract

This study was designed to determine whether or not siblings are affected by a brother or sister with a handicap. This study also attempted to determine if there were any significant differences in attitudes among siblings based on four independent variables (sex of the sibling, birth order of the sibling, type of handicap afflicting the brother or sister, and degree of the handicap). These independent variables were compared on the following categories: personal feelings, positive attitudes, negative attitudes, and future concerns. A pilot survey containing questions about sibling attitudes was distributed to eight siblings who were enrolled in four-year public universities in the state of Illinois. Responses obtained from the pilot survey were used to construct the final survey. An author - designed survey was distributed to 29 siblings of brothers or sisters with handicaps at five public universities in the state of Illinois. The results indicated that most of the siblings in this study were not negatively affected by a brother or sister with a handicap. There were two areas of concern in regard to the category ''future concerns." One area of significance (p < .05) was based on sex of the sibling. Another area of significance (p < .05) was based on type of handicap afflicting the brother or sister. There were no significant differences found in the other categories based on sex of the sibling, birth order of the sibling, type of handicap afflicting the brother or sister, and the degree of the handicap. This lack of significance may be attributed to the age of the subjects surveyed. Possible therapeutic support services for siblings of brothers or sisters with handicaps are also discussed as well as a need for further research into how siblings (of all ages) are affected by a brother or sister with a handicap. Program development for future sibling programs is also discussed in addition to possible implications of this study for various professionals.

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