Factor Structure of the Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationship Structures Scale (ECR-RS) in Siblings of Children with Chronic Disorders.

Our objective was to examine the factor structure of the Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationships Structures (ECR-RS), an attachment-theory based relationship measure, in at-risk sample comprising siblings of children with chronic disorders. Psychometric studies with general populations have demonstrated that the ECR-RS comprises two factors, representing anxiety and avoidance in close relationships. The sample comprised 103 siblings (M age = 11.5 years, SD = 2.2, range 8 to 16 years) of children with chronic disorders and their parents. The siblings completed a 9-item version of the Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationships Structures (ECR-RS) about their relations with mothers and fathers that was analyzed with confirmatory factor analysis. We examined construct validity using correlations between sibling social functioning, measured with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and parent mental health, measured with the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. The ECR-RS comprised two factors, anxiety and avoidance, in line with previous studies. Both factors demonstrated significant overlap with sibling social functioning, but not with parental mental health. We conclude that the ECR-RS comprises two factors, anxiety and avoidance, that are related to siblings' social functioning. The ECR-RS can be used as a psychometrically sound measure of relationship anxiety and avoidance in families of children with chronic disorders.

Siblings of children with chronic disorders: Family and relational factors as predictors of mental health.

Siblings of children with chronic disorders are at increased risk of mental health problems. Predictors of siblings' mental health require further study to identify children in need of interventions and to design effective intervention programs. Siblings of children with chronic disorders (n = 107; M age = 11.5 years; SD = 2.1, 54.6% girls) and their parents (n = 199; 50.3% mothers) were included in a survey study. Siblings and parents completed questionnaires on mental health. Siblings completed questionnaires on parent-child communication, relationships with parents, and an adjustment measure on the sibling situation. Multiple linear regression analyses were applied to identify predictors of siblings' mental health. Sibling-reported relationship with parents was a significant predictor of sibling mental health reported by siblings, fathers, and mothers (R2 = 0.26 - R2 = 0.46). Siblings' adjustment was significantly associated with fathers' report of siblings' mental health (r = .36), but not mothers' report (r = .17). Siblings' relationships (d = 0.26) and communication (d = 0.33) with mothers were significantly better than with fathers. We conclude that the sibling-parent relationship is a significant factor in identifying siblings at risk and that family-based intervention programs should be developed.

A systematic review of social support for siblings of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

BACKGROUND: Social support is a protective factor for siblings of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. AIMS: We reviewed studies on social support received by siblings of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: We conducted a pre-registered systematic review (CRD42020207686), searching PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Fifteen articles were eligible for the review, 13 of which used cross-sectional designs. Two studies investigated sibling social support after an intervention. Multiple variables were negatively related to social support (e.g., sibling depression, loneliness, stress). Variables that were positively related to social support included prosocial behavior, competence (academic, social, and activity-related), problem-focused coping, and family quality of life. Potential moderators of the relationship between social support and psychosocial adjustment included the type of disorder of the affected sibling and the type of social support provider. We conclude with an overview of the reliability and validity of the seven social support measurements used across the studies. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Lower levels of social support are associated with more negative psychosocial adjustment among siblings of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. We encourage future researchers to further investigate ways to increase social support for siblings to improve outcomes.