Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Do short break and respite services for families with a disabled child in England make a difference to siblings?
T2 - a qualitative analysis of sibling and parent responses
AU - Welch, Vicki
AU - Hatton, Chris
AU - Emerson, Eric
AU - Robertson, Janet
AU - Collins, Michelle
AU - Langer, Susanne
AU - Wells, Emma
PY - 2012/2
Y1 - 2012/2
N2 - Background: Previous research identifies positive and negative effects of being a sibling in a family which includes a disabled child. Short break services (also known as respite) provide families with a break from caring and offer disabled children the chance to participate in various activities. This paper investigates the effects that these short breaks have on siblings. Methods: The research consists of a qualitative analysis of data collected as part of a survey of families using short break services. Data from 239 parent-carers (mostly biological parents) and 84 siblings are included in the analysis. Data are written responses to open questions about use of services and the effects they have. Results: The effects of short breaks on siblings are described as being mostly positive. Short breaks have the potential to ameliorate some of the negative impacts of being a sibling in a family with a disabled child whilst also promoting the positive impacts of having a disabled brother or sister. However, some siblings also report some adverse effects of short breaks. Conclusion: Short breaks have a significant role to play in promoting the wellbeing of siblings; however, their role currently seems to be largely unrecognised and consequently undervalued.
AB - Background: Previous research identifies positive and negative effects of being a sibling in a family which includes a disabled child. Short break services (also known as respite) provide families with a break from caring and offer disabled children the chance to participate in various activities. This paper investigates the effects that these short breaks have on siblings. Methods: The research consists of a qualitative analysis of data collected as part of a survey of families using short break services. Data from 239 parent-carers (mostly biological parents) and 84 siblings are included in the analysis. Data are written responses to open questions about use of services and the effects they have. Results: The effects of short breaks on siblings are described as being mostly positive. Short breaks have the potential to ameliorate some of the negative impacts of being a sibling in a family with a disabled child whilst also promoting the positive impacts of having a disabled brother or sister. However, some siblings also report some adverse effects of short breaks. Conclusion: Short breaks have a significant role to play in promoting the wellbeing of siblings; however, their role currently seems to be largely unrecognised and consequently undervalued.
U2 - 10.1016/j.childyouth.2011.12.002
DO - 10.1016/j.childyouth.2011.12.002
M3 - Journal article
VL - 34
SP - 451
EP - 459
JO - Children and Youth Services Review
JF - Children and Youth Services Review
SN - 0190-7409
IS - 2
ER -