Abstract
This study focused on how siblings (N=14) of individuals with mental retardation make major life course decisions. It was also concerned with what helped or prevented individuals from resolving conflicts in making choices. Data from survey interviews were analyzed with a Trajectory Equifinality Model (TEM). TEM is a method to compare the diversity and complexities between life courses in temporal order (Sato, 2009). There were two main findings. First, it was found that siblings may have conflicts about caretaking responsibilities for their mentally retarded brother/sister at the time they chose their own careers. However, these conflicts could be resolved if their parents did not lead the siblings to become caregivers. The second finding was that siblings selected care roles on their own volition when their mothers could no longer care for the disabled individuals. Thus, parents are the key persons for the siblings through all their life stages. It is necessary to expand opportunities and systems for the support of siblings even if they provide care in part for their brothers/sisters.
