This work was supported by a grant from Shalem Fund
This study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the acceptance of individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) by their emerging adult siblings. Results showed that sense of coherence and optimism predicted sibling acceptance, while negative emotions towards the sibling with DS and social support received from their environment served as mediating variables. Level of independent functionality of the sibling with DS served as a moderating variable. In-depth semi-structured interviews on a separate sample revealed a complex picture of the emotions towards the sibling with DS and how society’s attitudes influenced interviewee’s own perceptions of their disabled sibling.
Keywords: independent functionality, sense of coherence, optimism, social support, negative emotions, sibling acceptance.