Siblings' interaction: mental disability, age and family social support/ Interacao entre irmaos: deficiencia mental, idade e apoio social da familia

The purpose of the present study was: (a) To describe the relationship in sibling's dyads, separated in two groups--G1, with pre-adolescent mentally retarded sibling, and G2, with this adult sibling; (b) To compare the performance of both groups in the interactions; and (3) To evaluate differences in the relationships between the groups when family social support is taken into account. Sessions of sibling's interactions were videotaped, and self-report instruments were used. The caretakers answered scales of social support. Results suggested differences concerning the behavior of the helper of the sibling with characteristic development, with highest occurrence in G1. Scales' results indicated statistically significant difference for the Parenting Support from Family/Friends Scale, showing less support for G1. It is possible to suggest that because families from G1 have less support from this level from families and friends, a bigger demand of help is required from the disabled member, which can be compensated by the young siblings with typical development, who perform the helper's role in greater level than the adults. Keywords: Sibling relationships; mental disability; social support; observation. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: (a) caracterizar a interacao entre diades de irmaos, divididas em dois grupos--G1, com o irmao deficiente mental pre-adolescente, e G2, com esse irmao adulto; (b) comparar os desempenhos dos grupos nas interacoes; e (c) avaliar diferencas entre os grupos nas interacoes, considerando o apoio social da familia. Foram realizadas sessoes de observacao de interacoes, e aplicacao de instrumentos de auto-relato; os cuidadores responderam escalas para avaliacao do apoio social. Os resultados sugeriram diferenca no comportamento de ajudante do irmao com desenvolvimento tipico, com taxa de ocorrencia maior para G1. Nas escalas, houve diferenca estatisticamente significativa na Escala de Apoio a Maternidade/Paternidade, revelando-se menor apoio para G1. Especula-se que, como as familias do G1 recebem menor apoio deste nivel, ha maior demanda de ajuda requerida pelo filho deficiente, que pode ser suprida pelos irmaos menores com desenvolvimento tipico, que desempenham o papel de ajudante em maior escala que os adultos. Palavras-chave: Interacao entre irmaos; deficiencia mental; apoio social; observacao.