The influence of gender, age, psychological resilience and family interaction factors upon anxiety and depression in non-autism spectrum disorder siblings of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

Vicki Bitsika, Christopher F. Sharpley*, Rebecca Mailli

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The influence of gender, age, Psychological resilience and family interaction factors upon generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) was investigated in 75 non-autism spectrum disorder (NASD) siblings who had a brother or sister with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). GAD and MDD were much more prevalent than in comparable age group samples, and adolescent females had the highest MDD rates. Several Psychological resilience skills were significantly associated with lower GAD and MDD, particularly being able to recognise mistakes in their thinking (for children) and being able to remain in control of their anger (for adolescents). Suggestions are made for ways of encouraging NASD siblings to develop skills that may assist them in avoiding these disorders.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)216-228
Number of pages13
JournalBritish Journal of Guidance and Counselling
Volume43
Issue number2
Early online date4 Sept 2014
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Mar 2015

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