BINDING TIES - THE ROLES OF ADULT SIBLINGS OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL-RETARDATION

Current relationship patterns and future role expectations of 140 adul t siblings of a brother or sister with mental retardation still living in the parental home were examined. Results showed that siblings main tained regular and personal contact, provided emotional support, and f elt knowledgeable about the varied needs of their brother or sister wi th mental retardation. Of the siblings who had firm plans for the futu re, 36% intended to co-reside with their brother or sister with mental retardation, whereas 64% intended to live apart. Factors differentiat ing groups included gender (of both the sibling and the brother or sis ter with retardation), mother's health, level of mental retardation, a nd frequency of activities shared by the siblings during the past year .