Siblings in Greek families: raising a child with disabilities

Sisters of a CD N=10Sisters of CWD N=19Brothers of a CD N=7Brothers of CWD N=15Siblings’ birth orderFirst child5 (50%)7 (37%)2 (28.6%)10 (66.7%)Second child5 (50%)10 (53%)4 (57.1%)3 (20%)Third child–2 (10%)1 (14.3%)2 (13.3%)Siblings’ educationThey do not follow school (age under four years)1 (10%)4 (21%)––Elementary school4 (40%)7 (37%)4 (57.1%)9 (60%)High School2 (20%)4 (21%)2 (28.6%)4 (26.7%)Lyceum1 (10%)2 (10.5%)––University2 (20%)2 (10.5%)1 (14.3%)2 (13.3%)

Siblings aged group 3–10 yearsSiblings aged group 10–22 yearsMaternal figureSiblings of CD N=9Siblings of CWD N=20Siblings of CD N=8Siblings of CWD N=14Indifferent1 (11.1%)7 (35%)1 (12.5%)5 (35.7%)Overprotective4 (44.5%)1 (5%)2 (25%)3 (21.5%)Passive1 (11.1%)4 (20%)–3 (21.5%)Cooperative/Helpful–6 (30%)–1 (7.1%)Authoritarian/Domineering1 (11.1%)1 (5%)2 (25%)–Powerful/Strong1 (11.1%)–1 (12.5%)–Energetic–1 (5%)–1 (7.1%)Sad––2 (25%)–Tired1 (11.1%)–––Without ambitions–––1 (7.1%)Total9 (100%)20 (100%)8 (100%)14 (100%)

Siblings aged group 3–10 yearsSiblings aged group 10–22 yearsSocial environmentSiblings of CD N=9Siblings of CWD N=20Siblings of CD N=8Siblings of CWD N=14Indifferent3 (33.3%)13 (65%)2 (25%)7 (50.5%)Hostile5 (55.6%)5 (25%)4 (50%)3 (21.5%)Friendly–1 (5%)–2 (14%)Passive1 (11.1%)–1 (12.5%)2 (14%)Happy–1 (5%)––Sad––1 (12.5%)–Total9 (100%)20 (100%)8 (100%)14 (100%)

Siblings’ relationshipFather of a CD N=20Mother of a CD N=20Mother of CWD N=20Mother of CWD N=20Protective relationship7 (35%)7 (35%)3 (15%)4 (20%)Relationship of ambivalence: love and rivalry6 (30%)6 (30%)5 (25%)6 (30%)Rivalry–1 (5%)8 (40%)7 (35%)Competitive relationship1 (5%)1 (5%)4 (20%)3 (15%)Distance from the child with disabilities3 (15%)3 (15%)––Siblings in parental role/Parentified2 (10%)1 (5%)––Complaints’ expression for their neglect/Infantilized1 (5%)1 (5%)––Total20 (100%)20 (100%)20 (100%)20 (100%)