Attitudes of siblings towards a brother or sister with an intellectual disability

Abstract

The article presents the issue of siblings' attitudes towards a brother or sister with an intellectual disability. It addresses topics such as the stereotypical social perception of individuals with disabilities and the situation of siblings of people with intellectual disabilities in the context of scientific literature. The authors primarily focus on the specific functioning of families with a child with an intellectual disability, considering definitions of intellectual disability, family, and its functions within a systemic approach. The article also explores the concept of a sense of coherence, taking into account the salutogenic approach, as well as the life situation of brothers and sisters of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Additionally, it examines the experience of loneliness and isolation among siblings, its causes, and its impact on their quality of life. The text discusses harmful defense mechanisms within the family, mutual dependence, difficult relationships, and the attribution of responsibility for the child with a disability to their typically developing siblings. Furthermore, the article presents statistical data related to the discussed issue, compiled based on collected source materials and conducted analyses.