The unseen sibling: Parental differential treatment, sibling relationship quality, self-esteem, and emotional-behavioral problems among siblings of children with special needs

Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationship between parental differential treatment, sibling relationship quality, self-esteem and emotional-behavioral problems in siblings of children with special needs. The research design was a cross-sectional correlational study. Purposive sampling was used to choose 125 adolescents (males f=50 and females f=75) between the ages 12 and 18 years from private schools in Lahore. Four standardized scales were used to gather information: Sibling Inventory of Differential Experience - Revised (SIDE-R) (Daniels & Plomin, 1985), Sibling Relationship Questionnaire (SRQ) (Furman & Buhrmester, 1985), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) (Rosenberg, 1965), and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) (Goodman, 1997). The Pearson Product Moment Correlation demonstrate that differential control was positively related to sibling relationship quality and negatively related to emotional-behavioral problems and self-esteem. A limitation of the study is the use of cross-sectional research design, which limits causal interpretation. Overall, findings emphasize the importance of family dynamics; particularly parental treatment and sibling relationships in shaping adolescents emotional and behavioral adjustment.