Date of Publication :8th November 2024

Abstract: This study explores the impact of having a sibling with severe developmental disabilities on the quality of life (QoL) of typically developing siblings, building upon the foundation laid by Smith et al. (2017) and Johnson & Taylor (2016), who highlighted the emotional strain on siblings of children with developmental challenges. Focusing on emotional, social, and familial dimen sions, this research evaluates 120 siblings aged 8 to 18 through standardized questionnaires and qualitative interviews. Findings are consistent with prior studies (Williams & Davis, 2019), showing that siblings experience elevated levels of emotional distress, including anxiety and feelings of neglect, compared to their peers. However, the presence of family cohesion and social support networks, as highli ghted by Greenberg et al. (2019), emerged as crucial factors that mitigate these challenges. The results underscore the importance of interventions aimed at enhancing the psychological well-being of these siblings, aligning with Gupta & Singh's (2020) emphasis on family dynamics and sibling support. This study contributes to the growing body of literature advocating for targeted interventions to improve the overall well-being of siblings within families affected by severe developmental disabilities.

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