Factors influencing the development of sibling relationship from the perspective of healthy siblings of children with disabilities

This research study is focused on perceptions of sibling relationships from the perspective of healthy siblings of children with mental disabilities. The first part of this study perceives the sibling relationships as a part of the family system and notices the particularities of the relationships when one of the children is mentally handicapped. The study also deals with the development of the sibling relationship and notices some problematic moments, difficult situations and feelings that the polled siblings mentioned. In the empirical part, we presented a qualitative analysis of the data obtained from 7 informants using the method of a semi-structured interview. The aim of this study was to uncover the factors of the sibling relationships that are supportive or disturbing from the point of view of the healthy siblings. Following influences have been identified: significant influence of parents, influence of friends, influence of family, time spent together and enough communication with siblings with disabilities, but also the "supportive world" (i.e. the Internet or some supportive psychological programs). For some siblings the belief in God can be of importance; and also the living space, leisure time and space for themselves. These factors may be helpful to the parents of these children, the siblings..