SIBLINGS OF CHILDREN WITH MENTAL-RETARDATION LIVING AT HOME OR IN RESIDENTIAL PLACEMENT

Severe retardation in a child surely has an effect on all family membe rs. Studies of nondisabled siblings in these families have indicated b oth emotional risks and perceived benefits. Little is known about how out-of-home placement of the child with retardation affects the siblin gs. Adolescent siblings of children with retardation living at home (N = 25) or in residential placement (N = 20) were contrasted with sibli ngs of children without retardation (N = 28), on measures obtained fro m their mothers and themselves. Despite their different situations, th ese siblings were highly similar on measures of psychological adjustme nt, self-esteem, and family environment. Sibling relationships, howeve r, were less intense, with less warmth but also lower conflict, in fam ilies where the child lived out of the home. Most siblings of children with retardation reported positive personal growth experiences while also expressing realistic concerns about the future. Siblings of child ren with retardation had beliefs and attitudes about placement that we re highly consistent with the child's current living situation.