Examination of the Condition of Influence of Family Functions on Relationship Between Healthy Adolescents and Their Disabled Siblings

DOI:10.17681/hsp.521856 Purpose: The variables like parent-child relat？onship of disabled children, the attitude and expectation of healthy adolescents, family functionality of parents and characteristics of the children may affect emotional/behavioral responses and harmony between healthy adolescents and disabled siblings. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between healthy adolescent children and disabled siblings in families with handicapped children. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study that was conducted at four special education centers located in Zonguldak province between April 14th and May 14th with 125 disabled children, 125 their parents and 125 healthy developing siblings. ？t was aimed to evaluate family functionality and its influence on sibling relations and sibling problems. The data for the study was gathered through General Information Form, Sibling Problems Questionnarre (SPQ), Schaeffer Sibling Behavior Rating Scale (SSBRS)-Sibling’s Form and Family Assesment Device (FAD). Results: 57.5% of healtly adolescents were female and in 10-14 age group. 60.0 % of disabled siblings were male. 47.5% mental disabled and 53.3% have the educationlevel through secondary school. 65.8% of mathers were in 35-44 age group. 66.7% graduated from primary school and 94.2% were housewives. 54.2% of fathers were 35-44 age group, 39.2% were primary school graduate and 50.0 % of them were workers. In comparasion of FAD-SPQ total point of SPQ had been decrease in the subscales point of FAD increase; except maternal/paternal dimension of behaviour control subscales. ？n comparasion of SSBRS-SPQ sobscale point of SSBRS on being kind, synergy-being connected and empathy had been increased as well as SPQ total point increase, on the other hand abstienence-restraint subscale point of SSBRS had been increased as weel as total point of SPQ increase. In comparasion of FAD-SSBRS statistically significant relationship was found. Conclusion: In this study, it was determined that sibling relationships between healthy adolescent and disabled siblings were affected by sibling problems and family functions. It is advisable to increase family functions to increase brotherly relationships