Adjustment of siblings of handicapped children: a comparison.

Compared 55 older siblings (ages 7 1/2 to 15 years) of young handicapped children (ages 1-7 years) with 55 matched siblings of nonhandicapped children. Results of standardized children's assessment scales show that siblings of handicapped children are comparable to siblings of nonhandicapped children in self-concept, behavior problems, and social competence. Differences, however, appear along certain psychological dimensions and great variations exist within each group of siblings. Further, demographic and personal attributes are differentially related to measures of adjustment in different groups of siblings. Implications for research and intervention are drawn.