Middle-aged adults' perspectives on caregiving for their siblings with intellectual and developmental disabilities

There is limited understanding of middle-aged siblings’ experiences of assuming caregiving roles and responsibilities in non-Western cultures. This study explored middle-aged siblings' perceived caregiving obligation for their siblings with intellectual and developmental disabilities within the South Korean societal framework that emphases the cultural value of ‘filial piety’. Data from in-depth semi-structured interviews with 13 middle-aged siblings were thematically analysed. The findings showed that middle-aged siblings exhibit a strong urge to fulfil their filial duties and willingly embracing the primary caregiver role. However, gender, birth order, and financial responsibilities significantly influence the fulfilment of filial obligations, with older, male, and financially secure siblings who co-reside with their siblings with disabilities being more likely to embrace caregiving roles. Despite advancements in South Korea’s disability policies, the concept of caregiving as a familial duty rooted in filial piety remains unchanged. Future measures should consider individualised, culturally sensitive support for middle-aged siblings.