Philippine E-Journals

Effect of Mentally Retarded Children on their Non Retarded Female Siblings (12-18 years)

Attiya Inam | Andleeb Zehra

Discipline: Psychology, Social Science

 

Abstract:

This study was an effort to find out the effect of mentally retarded children on their non retarded female siblings (12-18 yrs. of age) in terms of their relationship with parents, social adjustment and future concerns. Study was carried out at Amin Maktab i.e. institute for special children. Sample of 30 female siblings (12-18 yrs. of age) of 30 mild to moderate mentally retarded children was selected and interview schedule was prepared for them that consisted of thirty six statements and responses were collected on five point Likert scale. Its reliability was calculated as 0.825, indicating good internal consistency for this scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics as percentage, mean and standard deviation while independent samples t-test, ANOVA and Pearson Correlation were also applied to compare the mean scores. Results reveal that female siblings face problems regarding their relationship with parents and social adjustment and have more future concerns due to the presence of mentally retarded child in the family. Younger siblings of mentally retarded children were found to be having more problems in their social adjustment than the elder siblings of mentally retarded children. Positive relationship was found between social adjustment and future concerns of the respondents.