Severe retardation in a child surely has an effect on all family
members. Studies of
nondisabled siblings in these families have indicated both emotional risks
and perceived
benefits. Little is known about how out-of-home placement of the child
with retardation
affects the siblings. Adolescent siblings of children with retardation
living at home (N=25)
or in residential placement (N=20) were contrasted with siblings
of children without
retardation (N=28), on measures obtained from their mothers and
themselves. Despite
their different situations, these siblings were highly similar on measures
of psychological
adjustment, self-esteem, and family environment. Sibling relationships,
however, were less
intense, with less warmth but also lower conflict, in families where the
child lived out of the
home. Most siblings of children with retardation reported positive personal
growth
experiences while also expressing realistic concerns about the future.
Siblings of children
with retardation had beliefs and attitudes about placement that were highly
consistent with
the child's current living situation.