Journal Article

Psychosocial Interventions and Support Groups for Siblings of Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Conditions: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review of Sibling Self-reported Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes

Skoss, Rachel, Glasson, Emma J, Wolff, Brittany, Roberts, Rachel, Magiati, Iliana

2023

Overview

Siblings of persons with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) have increased risk of poorer psychosocial functioning. This systematic review evaluated quantitative and qualitative evidence on sibling mental health and wellbeing outcomes following psychosocial interventions and the risk and protective factors associated with post-intervention outcomes. From 2025 identified studies published from 1991 to 2022 across ten databases, 24 studies were included. The largest immediate post-intervention improvements were in self-esteem, social wellbeing and knowledge of NDCs. The most sustained improvements in intervention groups at follow-up periods were in emotional and behavioural adjustment and NDC knowledge. There were positive, but small, differences in favour of the intervention groups on knowledge of NDCs, self-esteem, coping and the sibling relationship as compared to waitlist control groups. Psychosocial interventions for siblings are heterogeneous, and more data, including consideration of unique family circumstances, are needed to improve reporting and replicability, to measure effectiveness and tailor necessary supports.

• Publisher: Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Autism Spectrum Disorders / Behavior Disorders / Behavior Problems / Child Health / Chronic Illness / Control Groups / Coping / Depression (Psychology) / Family (Sociological Unit) / Interpersonal Competence / Mental Health / Meta Analysis / Minority Groups / Mixed methods research / Physical Disabilities / Psychiatry / Resilience (Psychology) / Self Esteem / Sibling Relationship / Social Support Groups / Support groups / Systematic review / Well Being / World Problems