Are There Adverse Consequences to Being a Sibling of a Person wtih A Disability? A Propensity Score Analysis

2012

Joyce Carolyn Graff
[email protected]
901-448-3066

This study examined whether siblings of children with disabilities have increased mental health problems, behavioral difficulties, or greater mental health service use as compared to siblings of children without disabilities. Data come from the 2006 National Health Interview Survey. Propensity score matching was used to complete the analysis. Twelve siblings and family demographic characteristics were used to create the propensity score. Hierarchical greedy matching without replacement was used to match siblings. Prior to the match, significant differences were present between sibling groups on all outcome variables. After the match, no significant differences remained. Effect sizes were compared and were smaller postmatch for all the three measured outcomes. Findings suggest that differences in siblings' mental health are not likely due to the presence of a brother or sister with a disability, but it is more likely that the co-occurring risk factors (e.g., living in a lower income hou

disability-related studies, families with disabled members, families with children who have disabilities, siblings, sibling relationships

Peer-reviewed publications in scholarly journals Published/In Press

Professionals, Students

Electronic (disc, CD, 508 compliant web posting)

DOI.10.1111/j.1741-3729.2011.00652.x

N/A