Examination of Self-Esteem Levels of Individuals with and without Special-Needs Siblings
Abstract
This study aims to examine whether having a sibling with special needs is associated with self-esteem levels among individuals aged 14–20. Conducted using a quantitative causal-comparative design, the study included 200 high school and university students selected through criterion sampling: 100 participants who had a sibling with special needs (SSN-present) and 100 participants who did not (SSN-absent). Data were collected via a Personal Information Form developed by the researcher and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale–Short Form (RSES-SF). Analyses were performed in SPSS 22.0 using an independent-samples t-test, two-factor (factorial) ANOVA, and ANCOVA. The findings indicate a statistically significant difference between the groups, such that the SSN-present group’s mean self-esteem score differed significantly from that of the SSN-absent group. Self-esteem scores varied according to educational level, parental education level, and household income; however, no significant differences were observed with respect to gender or number of siblings. Within the SSN-present group, no significant differences in self-esteem were found in relation to the sibling’s gender, disability category, educational attendance status, type of educational institution, or level of need for assistance. By contrast, a significant difference was identified with respect to assuming caregiving responsibilities for the sibling. Overall, having a sibling with special needs may constitute a risk context that can adversely affect self-esteem. Conversely, protective factors—such as socioeconomic resources and parental education—may strengthen individuals’ self-esteem levels.
Keywords
Kaynakça
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Ayrıntılar
Birincil Dil
İngilizce
Konular
Kişilik Gelişimi
Bölüm
Araştırma Makalesi
Yayımlanma Tarihi
30 Nisan 2026
Gönderilme Tarihi
2 Ocak 2026
Kabul Tarihi
30 Mart 2026
Yayımlandığı Sayı
Yıl 2026 Cilt: 14 Sayı: 1