The Effects of Adult Non-disabled Siblings’ Parentification Experiences on Life Satisfaction, and the Moderating Effect of Disabled Sibling Stress

The present study examined the relationship between parentification experiences and life satisfaction in adult non-disabled siblings of individuals with disabilities, and investigated the moderating effect of disabled sibling stress on the relationship. Online surveys consisting of parentification experience, life satisfaction, and disabled sibling stress scales were administered to adults with siblings with disabilities. Data from 200 surveys (62 males and 138 females) were analyzed. The results indicated that parentification experiences had a negative effect on life satisfaction, and disabled sibling stress had a moderating effect on the relationship between parentification experiences and life satisfaction. These findings have implications for counselings. Counselors are encouraged to consider the role that the burden and stress of parentification may play in non-disabled siblings ’ levels of life satisfaction. Counselors are also advised to assist clients in exploring how parentification experiences and their disabled siblings stress have impacted their life satisfaction.