Influence of family strength on life satisfaction of individuals who have a sibling with disability: Mediating effect of disability acceptance

Abstract

This descriptive correlational study was conducted to examine the mediating effect of disability acceptance on the relationship between family strength and life satisfaction in individuals who have a sibling with a disability. The responses of 144 non‐disabled siblings of persons with a disability were analyzed using panel data from the Korea Institute for Persons with Disabilities, and a regression analysis was performed. Family strength and acceptance of disabilities significantly affected the life satisfaction of siblings without disability. Regarding the effect of family strength on life satisfaction, acceptance of a sibling's disability by siblings without disability had a significant mediating effect. Our results suggest that strategies to enhance the acceptance of disabilities and promote family strength are necessary to improve the life satisfaction of individuals without disability as well as their siblings with disabilities. Family‐centered interventions are warranted to promote positive acceptance of disabilities.

The role of family and individual factors in going through adolescence having a disabled sibling – analysis of a healthy child’s functioning. A case-control study protocol

“…However, the current studies on the functioning of families with a disabled child provide very interesting conclusions, showing that it is also associated with many positive and enriching experiences (Burke, 2004;Pisula, 2007;Yoo & Lee, 2023). The presence of the disabled family member can have a positive effect on the development of the family system by supporting the development of mutual support of all family members, family cohesion, and also a stronger bond between parent and children, and siblings as well (Durà-Vilà et al, 2010;Green, 2007;Penner, 2020;Zhang et al, 2013).…”