Role relations between children who are mentally retarded and their older siblings: Observations in three in-home contexts

• Published in: Research in developmental disabilities Vol. 10; no. 1; pp. 61 - 76
• Main Authors: Stoneman, Zolinda, Brody, Gene H., Davis, Cathy H., Crapps, John M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Ltd 1989; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Biological and medical sciences; Birth Order; Child; Child clinical studies; Child Development; Child, Preschool; Developmental disorders; Female; Humans; Imitative Behavior; Intellectual deficiency; Intellectual Disability - psychology; Male; Medical sciences; Play and Playthings; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Role; Sibling Relations; Social Environment; Human; Social environment; Case study; Cognitive disorder; Siblingship; Social interaction; Family environment; Developmental disorder; Mental retardation; Child; Age; Interpersonal relation
• ISSN: 0891-4222; 1873-3379
• DOI: 10.1016/0891-4222(89)90029-2

Older nonhandicapped siblings and same-sex younger mentally retarded siblings (n = 16 sibling pairs) were observed in their homes during toy play, snack, and television-viewing, as were an equal number of comparison sibling pairs, matched for age, gender, and family characteristics. Role relationships between mentally retarded children and older siblings were asymmetrical, with older siblings assuming frequent teacher, manager, and helper roles. Older sisters, in particular, participated in frequent teaching. Amount of interaction between siblings was directly related to the contexts in which they were observed. Non-handicapped siblings engaged each other more as playmates. Interactional correlates of language and adaptive competencies of the mentally retarded children are presented, as are correlations between the age of the siblings and the roles they assume with each other.