The Experiences and Future Aspirations of Young Adults with Siblings with Disabilities

• Main Author: Swanson, Rachel
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Boston College 2014
• Subjects: Disability; Sibling Relationship; Family Systems; Future Aspirations; Caregiver Role; Personality and Identity Development
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2345/3883

Thesis advisor: Paul Gray === As siblings tend to have the longest lasting and most transformative relationship within family systems, more attention must be given to individuals with siblings with disabilities. Given that young adulthood is a time spent planning for the future, this research investigates the impact of the experience of having a sibling with a disability on the development of future aspirations for young adults. Semi-structured interviews and a qualitative analysis examine the various aspects of the sibling relationship and family systems which affect the future planning of young adults with special needs siblings. The purpose is to understand what personality and identity traits develop from the experience of having a sibling with a disability, and how these characteristics subsequently relate to decisions such as career choice, geographical location, beginning a family, and role accountability towards future caregiving for their special needs sibling. === Thesis (BA) — Boston College, 2014. === Submitted to: Boston College. College of Arts and Sciences. === Discipline: College Honors Program. === Discipline: Sociology.