Characterıstıcs affectıng the sıblıng relatıonshıp of chıldren wıth hearıng loss sıblıngs

The aim of this study, which was modelled as explanatory sequential mixed method, was to reveal the sibling relationship of a typically developing individual with his/her sibling with hearing loss and the characteristics related to this relationship. In the quantitative step of the study, which was designed as a mixed method, the Sibling Relationship Questionnaire was developed and applied to 403 participants. Descriptive and Chi-square analyses of the data collected from the questionnaire were performed. In the qualitative phase of the study, a semi-structured interview form was prepared in line with the quantitative analyses. Among the 403 participants who filled out the Sibling Relationship Questionnaire, 12 participants were determined by criterion sampling method. Interviews were conducted with the identified participants, a reflective researcher diary was kept and document analysis was carried out. Content analysis of the collected data was carried out and 23 sub-themes and 5 themes were reached. According to the data obtained in the quantitative and qualitative stages of the study, the gender of the typically developing sibling, birth order, age difference between siblings, economic status of the family, education level of the sibling with hearing loss, character traits and hearing aid technology used are the characteristics that affect the sibling relationship of typically developing children with their siblings with hearing loss. The participants evaluated the effects of their sibling's having hearing loss on their lives in the context of extra responsibility, unequal parental attitudes and society's negative view of hearing loss. On the other hand, the findings show that having a sibling with hearing loss does not have only negative or only positive effects on the sibling relationship with the typically developing sibling, and that there is a balance between positive and negative effects.