Self-Concept and Psychosocial Adjustment in Adolescent Siblings of Individuals with ASD

Background: Self-concept can be defined as a collection of ideas about the self (McConnell, Shoda, & Skulborstad, 2012). The structure of self-concept, as measured by self-complexity, can be broken into two factors: the number of roles one identifies as being important to the self, and the distinctness of these roles (Linville 1985; 1987). Research has suggested that high total self-complexity, and high positive complexity, is seen as a protective factor. Conversely, high negative complexity is considered a risk factor. These self-attributions originate at a young age, and are formed through social mechanisms, such as social feedback and social comparison. In this way, significant relationships, including family, have an important role in shaping an individual’s self-concept. While much of the literature has focused on the influence of parents, research also suggests that siblings are significant figures. However, when an individual with autism is introduced into the family unit, the sibling relationship is significantly changed. This results from decreased social feedback and increased family stress, which may influence the formation of self-concept.  

Objectives: The present study looked at the self-concept and psychosocial adjustment of 15 adolescent siblings of individuals with autism (ASD group) and compared this to the self-concept of 18 adolescents with a neurotypical sibling (Control group). 

Methods: Study participants wereasked to fill out questionnaires related to their overall well-being, including measures of depression symptoms, social support, negative life events, and the sibling relationship.

Results: Results suggested that siblings in the ASD group fared as well as siblings in the Control group. They did not significantly differ on depression scores, social support, negative life events, or general self-complexity. There was some differentiation in sibling self-concept, with the ASD group showing more distinct sibling roles. Further, the findings of the present study supported the hypothesis that high negative self-complexity is positively related to depression scores. Lastly, it was found that distinctness  among roles had a positive relationship with depression in the clinical group. 

Conclusions: This study yielded important information about siblings of individuals with autism, and adolescent self-concept more generally. This supprts the line of research that suggests typical psychosocial adjustment and self-concept in siblings of individuals with ASD. Further, this provides support for the relationship between a highly negative self-concept and negative outcomes.