Competence and adjustment of siblings of children with mental retardation

Adjustment and competence of siblings who had a brother or sister with mental retardation were compared to those of control siblings who had brothers or sisters with no disabilities. Results indicated no overall differences for internalizing disorders, externalizing disorders, or for self-esteem and competence based on group membership, gender, or gender match. However, boys with a brother or sister with mental retardation had difficulty in school functioning. In addition, a greater number of girls with brothers and sisters with mental retardation expressed their distress through internalization.