Understanding the sibling experience: an in-depth mixed-method study of siblings of disabled children in Albania

This thesis conducts an extensive examination of the psychological well-being, emotional experiences, and sibling dynamics among typically developing children aged 7 to 12 who have a sibling with a disability, situated within the cultural milieu of Albania. Anchored in Family Systems Theory, Attachment Theory, Ecological Systems Theory, and Family Stress and Coping Theory, the research employs a mixed-methods methodology to investigate both risk factors and adaptive strengths inherent in this demographic. The quantitative component engaged 39 children who completed a series of standardized psychological assessments: the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, the STAI-C (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children), the TAS-20 (Toronto Alexithymia Scale), the RSE (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), and the SRQ (Sibling Relationship Questionnaire). The results indicated alarmingly elevated levels of anxiety (83.8%), significant instances of alexithymia (45%), and a spectrum of self-esteem ranging from low to moderate, alongside ambivalent patterns in sibling relationships characterized by both intimacy and perceptions of inequity. The qualitative segment, consisting of focus groups and in-depth interviews, elucidated five predominant themes: emotional burden, psychological struggles, emotional ambiguity and regulation, identity formation, and the quality of sibling relationships. Emotional suppression, parentification, and feelings of invisibility were recurrently articulated, though numerous participants also conveyed experiences of heightened empathy and emotional maturation. This investigation underscores the imperative for culturally attuned, family-centered support systems and offers novel insights into sibling resilience within the framework of disability. The findings aspire to inform forthcoming psychological, educational, and policy-oriented interventions.