Graduate Program

School Psychology

Degree Name

Specialist in School Psychology

Semester of Degree Completion

2008

Thesis Director

Linda Leal

Thesis Committee Member

Assege HaileMariam

Thesis Committee Member

Ronan Bernas

Abstract

What is life like for a teenager growing up with a sibling who has a disability? Using their own words, five high school students explored, through an interview format, how their experiences, family systems, and identity have been shaped in direct and indirect ways by having a brother or sister with a disability. Several common themes emerged and included how sibling-care responsibilities influenced their ability to participate in social activities outside of the home, reported perceptions of having more household responsibilities than their peers and/or siblings, recognition that the sibling with a disability influenced family members and family life, an apparent lack of embarrassment about their siblings' differences, and a lack of understanding of the exact cause of their sibling's disability. Overall, the high school students interviewed had mostly positive comments to make when describing their perceptions of life with a brother or sister who has a disability. Limitations of the present study, as well as suggestions for future research, are also described.

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