“Why not me?”: the relational complexity of siblings in families living with disability

The therapeutic setting frequently brings to light the multitude of factors that influence parent–child relationships, as well as the ways in which these dynamics, in turn, shape sibling interactions. In families with children with disabilities, these same factors are present; however, their specific manifestation is significantly affected by the impact that the disability exerts on the family’s history. These elements shape the relational patterns within the family system and may profoundly affect sibling dynamics, at times even defining, within the sibling subsystem, who will assume the parental role of caregiver for the child with disabilities. This article aims to explore these dynamics through the analysis of two clinical cases in which the relationship between the so-called “healthy” sibling and the sibling with a disability is marked respectively by patterns of overinvolvement and disengagement. The selection of cases presented in the article is the result of a supportive and synergistic exchange between two colleagues who share not only similar academic and training backgrounds, but also extensive professional experience in working with individuals and families living with diverse abilities.

Keywords: siblings, disability, individuation, role assignment, caregiver.

Michaela Mortera, Fabiola Sperandini, “Perché non io?”: Ilcomplesso incastro relazionale dei siblings all’interno delle famiglie con disabilità in "RIVISTA DI PSICOTERAPIA RELAZIONALE " 62/2025, pp 114-120, DOI: 10.3280/PR2025-062015