Exploring how having a disabled sibling affects healthy adolescents

Growing up With Disabled Siblings - Opportunity or a Threat to Development? The Role of Family and Individual Factors in Going Through Adolescence - Perspective of a Healthy Child.

Observational University of Gdansk · NCT06156124

This study looks at how having a disabled sibling affects the growth and experiences of healthy teens aged 16 to 18 in their families, schools, and friendships.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment320 (estimated)
Ages16 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Gdansk Academic / other
Locations1 site (Gdansk, Pomerania)
Trial IDNCT06156124 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the experiences of healthy adolescents who have disabled siblings, focusing on their development in family, peer, and school environments. It aims to understand how having a disabled sibling influences their maturity, educational experiences, and risk of psychological disorders. The study will involve 160 participants, including healthy adolescents aged 16 to 18 and one of their parents, who will complete psychological tests and psychosocial questionnaires. The research seeks to balance the potential challenges and opportunities that arise from having a disabled sibling.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adolescents aged 16 to 18 who have a disabled sibling or those who have healthy siblings without disabilities.

Not a fit: Patients who are adolescents with disabilities or those outside the age range of 16 to 18 will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights that help improve support systems for healthy adolescents with disabled siblings.

How similar studies have performed: While there is existing research on the impact of disabled siblings, this study's specific focus on healthy adolescents is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria to the groups having disabled sibling:

* age between 16 and 18 years;
* having disabled sibling, depending on the group: with intellectual disability or motor disability or with chronic somatic disease (diabetes);
* participation in the study of one of the parents.

Inclusion Criteria to the group having sibling without disability (control group):

* age between 16 and 18 years;
* having healthy siblings without any disability;
* participation in the study of one of the parents.

Exclusion Criteria to the groups having disabled sibling:

* siblings with multiple disabilities, e.g. intellectual and motor disabilities.

Exclusion Criteria to the control group and groups having disabled sibling:

* being an adolescent with disability/disorder/disease;
* age below 16 and above 18 years.

Where this trial is running

Gdansk, Pomerania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Disability, IntellectualDisability PsychologicalDisability, DevelopmentalDiabetesSibling RelationsAdolescent DevelopmentAdolescent BehaviorPeer Group
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.