Salutogenesis and the Wellbeing of Siblings of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Contribution of Involvement, Resistance Resources, and Loneliness

According to family systems theories, the family is an inter-connected social unit, where dysfunction, disability or illness in one family member may affect the rest of the family. Research indicates that the presence of an individual with autism can influence the functionality of the various subsystems, including siblings.

In light of salutogenic approaches, which focus on factors promoting health and effective coping, the study examined the relations between the involvement, personal resources (sense of coherence, self-efficacy), and loneliness of siblings of individuals with autism with their wellbeing.

Participants included 116 siblings of individuals with autism between the ages of 18–50, who completed self-report questionnaires.

Results indicated that siblings who are more involved in the lives of their siblings with autism perceive their sense of coherence and self-efficacy as higher, and their loneliness as lower, and further report higher levels of wellbeing. The study emphasizes the contribution of the resource of a high sense of coherence for predicting lower loneliness and better wellbeing for siblings of individuals with autism. Similarly, a shared contribution of self-efficacy and sense of coherence emerged for feelings of wellbeing.

In light of the results, it is recommended to develop interventions based on a joint approach between the pathogenic and salutogenic approaches towards promoting health. Integrating these approaches can contribute to the promotion of the salutogenic and holistic direction of siblings of individuals with autism and to the research of emotional, social, and environmental factors towards the typically-developing siblings’ coping ability.