The goals of this study were to examine longitudinal changes in perceived control in adolescents' sibling relationships and to describe the nature and correlates of three distinct control patterns: firstborn dominant, equal, and secondborn dominant. Firstborn and secondborn adolescents in 184 predominately European-American families participated…

This study investigated associations between sibling relationships and adjustment among 179 African American adolescent siblings (controlling for family factors) and tested moderating effects of familism values and birth order. Two-level random intercept models revealed that familism values moderated sibling relationship-adjustment linkages,…

This study examined the nature and correlates of adolescents' perceptions of sibling influence. Participants included 2 siblings (firstborn age M = 17.34; second-born age M = 14.76 years) from 191 maritally intact families. Adolescents' perceptions of sibling influence were measured via coded responses to open-ended questions about whether their…

We examined the role of emotion regulation (ER) in improving sibling relationship quality (SRQ) by evaluating the More Fun With Sisters and Brothers Program where 4- to 8-year-old siblings from 95 families were taught emotional and social competencies. Parents reported on SRQ and ER, and sibling interactions were observed in homes. SRQ and ER…

Describes investigation examining model of sibling relationship's mediation between quality of youths' best friendships and several individual and family variables via self-report and observational assessments. Results demonstrate that youths' temperaments and quality of relationships with parents both predicted best friendship quality indirectly…

Examined relationships between adults with mental retardation and their nonhandicapped siblings and the effect of these relationships on the well-being of aging mothers in 411 families. Results indicated mothers whose children provided support to the adult with retardation had better well-being than mothers with no other children or no involved…

A review of popular press books and articles published between 1975 and 2000 was conducted to delineate areas in which the advice given to parents about the transition to a second child is consistent with or diverges from results of relevant research. Results highlight the need for researchers and popular press writers to acknowledge their…

This study examined the links between sibling relational aggression and other sibling relationship qualities (i.e., intimacy, negativity, and temporal involvement) and broader parenting dynamics. Participants included 185 adolescent sibling pairs and their mothers and fathers. Data were gathered during home interviews and a series of nightly phone…

Evaluates a new approach to improving sibling relationships in which social skills training was used to coach small groups of children (n=21) in prosocial sibling behaviors. Results show that children in the training group exhibited increased warmth, decreased rivalry, fewer problematic sibling behaviors, and a reduced status/power differential…

Parental appraisals of their children's sibling relationships, and their standards for sibling relationships, were assessed. Although parents reported most concern about their children's Agonism and Rivalry/Competition, the largest discrepancies between parental standards and observations involved behaviors reflecting Warmth. Results endorse…

Questioned 838 aging mothers of children with disabilities to describe the functional and affective relationships characterizing disabled and nondisabled siblings. Mothers reported that nondisabled offspring provided little functional assistance to their disabled siblings but that affective relationships between their children were characterized…

Examined demographic correlates of familial and nonfamilial sources of emergency assistance among Blacks. Data from Panel Study of Income Dynamics-1980 showed both familial and nonfamilial sources of emergency assistance. Revealed age, gender, marital status, and urban-rural differences in sources of assistance. Results highlight importance of…