Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Barton, Michelle

Area of Concentration

Psychology

Abstract

This thesis reviewed the relationship between usage of online Facebook support groups for siblings of individuals with developmental disabilities and participant living arrangement in relation to their siblings, as well as levels of Depression, Anxiety and Stress. The current study hypothesized that participants who live with their sibling would have an increased usage of the Facebook page(s) for emotional and social support, along with an overall increased usage in comparison to their counterparts who live away from their sibling. The current study also predicted that participants who live with their siblings would have higher Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scores than the participants who live away from their sibling. Young adult participants (ages 18 to 30) whose siblings had at least one developmental disability (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and/or Down syndrome) were surveyed on their usage of two Facebook sibling support groups and on their mental health. Results showed there was not a statistically significant difference between Depression, Anxiety and Stress levels scale scores, using the page for emotional, informational, and social support, or overall frequency of using the support group based on the participant’s living arrangement. Further testing is recommended, due to the limited sample size and lack of studies on social media support groups.

Download

Share

COinS