An ecological and systems thinking approach for support to siblings with and without disabilities

Family theories and siblings of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

“…The most commonly cited theory is arguably 'family systems perspectives' which, perhaps due to the word count constraints in psychological journals, is often referred to briefly before the focus shifts towards more empirical matters. More recently, we have seen several papers in the sibling IDD field that have been more theoretically driven (e.g., Meltzer & Kramer, 2016;Meltzer & Muir, 2021;Richardson & Jordan, 2017), particularly those drawing on qualitative data. Theories are important in all research, however, as they help us to conceive studies and understand phenomena.…”

“…This fuller definition of family systems emphasizes the potential of family systems perspectives to move beyond simple effects that are premised on the assumption that family members will be negatively affected by having a family member with an IDD. This feedback within the system is described by Meltzer and Muir (2021) as a 'feedback loop [that] can have both intended and unintended consequences, positive and negative effects, and may either spark or block change'. This can, therefore, have important implications for considering how to influence and improve sibling relationships.…”

“…This can, therefore, have important implications for considering how to influence and improve sibling relationships. Meltzer and Muir (2021) go on to describe the concept of a 'lever' that creates change Siblings and Family Theory within the family systemrepresenting an intervention that breaks an existing feedback loop somewhere within the family systemthe change reverberating through the whole family system. Turnbull and Turnbull (2001) define three main assumptions related to family systems perspectives.…”

The operation of the social support sector serving siblings of people with disabilities: A cross‐country analysis

“…Sibling support is a form of support often offered to the brother or sister of a person with disability. Sibling support commonly follows either a social/peer support model (bringing siblings together in peer support programs for sharing experiences, networking, discussion and learning) or a clinical/therapeutic model (therapy programs focused on cognitive skills and coping mechanisms; Kramer et al, 2021; Meltzer & Muir, 2021). It commonly seeks to promote outcomes for siblings of people with disability such as improved self‐expression, mental health, wellbeing, knowledge/skills and networks (Kramer et al, 2021; Meltzer & Muir, 2021).…”