Evaluation of ascribed, parent-mediated child care roles of younger same-sex siblings of children with mental retardation (n=32) found role reversals evident in the sibling pairs consistent with roles assumed by siblings during observed interactions. Increased younger sibling child care roles were related to less conflicted sibling relationships.…

Children with mental retardation (n=32) and their younger nonretarded siblings were observed interacting in the home setting. Interactions were characterized by accentuated role asymmetries that favored the younger sibling. Competence of the mentally retarded child reliably predicted sibling role asymmetries. Gender differences in roles and…

Presents findings of a study which examined the reactions of different family members to various social behaviors by a target child to determine what are the most probable consequences that child will experience. Discusses implications of results for understanding normative family interactions and clinical intervention. (KH)

Demonstrates through a case study and a participant observation study that siblings interact about television in such a way that the form and content of their talk creates a learning context. Concludes that, despite concerns about "zombie" viewers, children are not passive, unresponsive recipients of television. (PD)

This study, involving 40 young siblings of either handicapped or nonhandicapped children, found that siblings of handicapped children engaged in more parallel and social play and were more nurturing with their siblings than were control children. Mothers were more likely to deliver commands, directives, and reprimands to siblings of handicapped…