The emotional state, behavior, and self-concept of nondisabled siblings of children with disabilities

Research has shown that children who have a disability can influence the dynamics of their family's structure. It is unclear how siblings of these children are affected by this influence. Some research has shown that children who have a sibling with a disability experience more stress and anxiety, exhibit more negative behaviors, and have lower self-concept. Other research has shown that children who have a sibling with a disability experience more positive effects such as having more patience and understanding for others who are seen as different. The focus of this study was to look at whether or not having a sibling with a disability influences a child's level of anxiety, anger, depression, disruptive behavior, or self-concept. This study also looked at whether or not gender influenced scores as well. Participants in this study included children between the ages of ten and fifteen who have a sibling and live in two-parent homes. Participants completed the Beck Youth Inventory Anxiety, Anger, Depression, Disruptive Behavior, and Self-concept subscales. The assumptions for the ANOVA were violated and a logarithmic base 10 data transformation was required. After the data transformation, the ANOVA was conducted for each variable. Results of the ANOVA indicated a statistical significance when looking at gender and scores on the Anxiety subscale. Further analysis using an independent samples t test, indicated that the difference in anxiety scores between males and females was not statistically significant. There was no statistical significance in F ratios for all other subscales. There was also no statistical significance for having a disability and scores on each of the five Beck Youth Inventory subscales. Since the assumptions for the ANOVA were initially violated and a data transformation was necessary, the Mann-Whitney U Test was conducted to enhance the strength of this dissertation. The results of this nonparametric test indicated that neither gender nor having a sibling with a disability influenced scores on the Beck Youth Inventory Subscales. It is recommended that future research on this topic consider the type of disability with which the sibling has been diagnosed. Additionally, it may be beneficial to consider the sibling's age well.