Brothers and. sisters of adults with mental retardation: Gendered nature of the sibling relationship

Differences and similarities between brothers and sisters of adults with me ntal retardation with respect to the instrumental (caregiving, companionshi p) and affective (positive affect, emotion) aspects of the sibling relation ship were examined. Sisters scored higher than brothers in the caregiving, companionship, and positive affect aspects of the sibling relationship. Bro thers' sibling relationships were conditioned by the gender of the sibling with mental retardation. Brothers of brothers with mental retardation had a more favorable emotional response than did brothers of sisters. Two-wave l ongitudinal data showed that sibling involvement and closeness increased ov er time, but was dependent upon changes in the health of the mother. The fi ndings are discussed in relation to normative patterns in the sibling relat ionship across the life course.