The Impact of a Recreational Therapy-Led Bibliotherapy Program on Perceived Stress and Coping Among Siblings of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Two-Phase Study

Authors

  • Lindsey Kirschbaum University of Wisconsin La Crosse
  • Brandi Crowe Clemson University
  • Stephen Lewis Clemson University
  • Jasmine Townsend Clemson University
  • Susan 'BOON' Murray University of Wisconsin La Crosse

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2026-V60-I1-13126

Keywords:

Bibliotherapy, intellectual and developmental disabilities, recreational therapy, siblings, stress coping, therapeutic recreation

Abstract

Siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) may experience stress as they navigate relations with their sibling with IDD. Bibliotherapy has been shown to help youth learn stress-coping strategies, however, minimal research has focused on bibliotherapy for stress-coping among sibling groups. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine the impact of a bibliotherapy program on perceived stress and coping among siblings (n=6), aged 7-12, of individuals with IDD, and to identify what program components participants and their parents (n=5) felt were important for a bibliotherapy program focused on stress-coping. Pre-post surveys assessed changes in stress-coping following the seven-week bibliotherapy program. Participants and parents completed an importance-performance analysis (IPA) to evaluate the bibliotherapy program. Qualitative interviews were conducted to better understand participants’ perceptions of the program’s impact on their perceived stress-coping. There were no statistically significant changes in participants perceived stress-coping, except for one parent sub-scale. Participants’ qualitative stress-coping data resulted in two themes: peer interaction and coping strategies; parents’ stress-coping data resulted in five themes: peer interaction, identification and appropriate expression of feelings, coping strategies, considerations for siblings with IDD, and no change in stress. Participants’ IPA data resulted in four themes: enjoyable program activities, book selection, peer mentorship, and involvement of family members. Parents’ IPA data indicated four themes: use of books, program logistics, peer mentorship, and involvement of family members. A discussion of study findings, implications for recreational therapy practice and future research, and study limitations are provided. 

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Published

2026-02-16

Issue

Vol. 60 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Research Papers

License

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