This work was supported by a grant from Shalem Fund
This study examined future caregiving intentions among siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) using a quantitative cross-sectional design. The research explored how personal, familial, and social factors relate to siblings’ willingness to assume caregiving roles in adulthood. Findings show that close sibling relationships and perceived benefits of early caregiving roles (parentification) predict higher future caregiving intentions, whereas sibling relationships, marked by conflict, predict lower future caregiving intentions. The results highlight the importance of strengthening sibling bonds as a foundation for successful and sustainable future caregiving arrangements.
Keywords: Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Siblings of Individuals with IDD, Parentification, Perceived Benefits of Parentification, Sibling Relationships, Closeness