This study examined associations between sibling temperaments, differential parenting, and the quality of the relationships between 50 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their typically developing siblings. The temperament dimension of persistence, but not activity level or emotional intensity, was found to relate to the quality of…

Until the early 1980s, most researchers paid little attention to sibling relationships. Studies of mothers dominated the research agenda, to the almost total exclusion of fathers, extended families, and siblings. Although in early classic studies of families of children with disabilities, investigators embraced a family systems approach that…

Examined contemporaneous associations between child temperament and marital and family functioning in 2-child families. Mothers and fathers in 70 families completed measures of marital satisfaction, family climate, spousal conflict, depression, and ratings of older and younger sibling temperament. Found strong associations between active-emotional…

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.…

Family systems theory was employed to study sibling relationships in 50 families with a child (ages 4-12) with autism. Typically developing siblings expressed satisfaction with their sibling relationships. Parents were somewhat less positive about the sibling relationships. Stress in the marital relationship was associated with compromised sibling…

Examined associations between the activity level and adaptability of same-sex siblings and qualitative aspects of their relationship. Found high levels of conflict when both siblings were high in activity and the older sibling was rated more active than the younger. Conflict was lowest when siblings were low in activity. Warmth was greatest when…

This study represents further work into the area of what specific processes determine whether a sibling relationship will be positive or negative. Specifically addressed was the influence of each child's personality or temperament in shaping the quality and type of sibling relationship. Significant attention was paid to analyzing sibling…

At-home observation of 40 sibling dyads was conducted to describe sex-role characteristics of school-aged same-sex and cross-sex siblings. Male dyads interacted less than other sibling groups, while older sisters in female or male-female dyads engaged in the most teaching and managing. Older sister dyads exhibited the greatest role asymmetrics.…

Observation of in-home interactions of mentally retarded children (N=16 and mean age 6 years) and their older nonhandicapped siblings as well as normal sibling pairs indicated high rates of interaction between siblings, accentuated role asymmetries, less joint object play, but no differences in affect. (Author/DB)

The study examined household and child care responsibilities, peer contacts, and out-of-home activities of older same-sex siblings of mentally retarded children compared to matched children without handicapped siblings. Findings indicated that older sisters tended to assume multiple caretaking responsibilities with decreased opportunities for peer…

The survey of 104 home providers (for the mentally retarded) concerning family involvement found 3 variables contributing unique variance: (1) the participation of family in placement, (2) the provider's encouragement of family involvement, and (3) the living status of the father. Descriptive information on family involvement across the lifespan…

Reports studies of children's interactions at home with younger siblings and/or best friends. Finds gender and group composition differences in the play activities selected, amount of positive and negative interaction, and assumption of the roles of teacher/learner, manager/manager and playmate. (CB)

Proposes a theoretical framework of sibling conflict that includes temperamental characteristics of the siblings, the parent-sibling relationship, and the interaction between these factors. Continuing research validates this framework. (BJV)