Examined sibling conflict and relationship qualities among 104 10-15 year olds. Data suggest that sibling conflict fulfills several functions in early adolescence, including reinforcing family and relationship rules and delineating interpersonal boundaries. Few differences attributable to age or gender constellation of sibling dyad emerged.…

Tested hypothesis, derived from serial model of social support, that adult siblings will provide more support to their seriously mentally ill siblings when parents are not available. Data from 108 siblings of mentally ill persons revealed that siblings provided more contact, intimacy, and help when their parents were not living. (Author/NB)

Examines whether older siblings (as orientational others) influence the timing of younger siblings' first intercourse. Results, based on 183 pairs of independent interviews, indicate that older brothers' sexual behavior has a significant influence on the timing of young siblings' initiation of sexual intercourse. Addresses the interaction of these…

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…

Used data from 60 adult sibling dyads to examine effect of life transitions on adult sibling tie. Found marriage associated with closer ties, improved relations, less closeness, and less frequent contact. Siblings who reported having children, getting divorced or becoming widowed, or the death or poor health of family member also reported becoming…

General contact patterns, obligatory contact motivation, and discretionary contact motivation were examined regarding sibling relationships among 313 urban adults aged 25 or older. Emotional closeness, sibling responsibility expectations, and geographic proximity were most important in explaining dimensions of sibling interaction. (Author/TE)

Explores whether the effects of sibling birth are mediated by associated changes in the family environment and changes in family members' interaction patterns. Data from a national longitudinal survey indicate that the birth of a sibling lessened positive interactions with the older child and mothers increasingly adopted controlling parenting…

Comparisons between sibling relationships in industrialized and nonindustrialized societies revealed differences in how siblings are defined, cultural norms regulating sibling role responsibilities, importance of sibling structure variables, sibling caretaking and socialization, relationship between siblings, and range of variation in sibling…

Conducted secondary analysis of existing data from two major national surveys of adults to examine whether number of siblings is related to sociability among men and women. The findings do not suggest a relationship between sibling number and being affiliative as an adult. (Author/NB)

Investigates changes in children's socioemotional development, achievement, and self-concept after the birth of a sibling. Data from a national longitudinal survey of preschool-aged children, over a two-year and a four-year period, indicate that a sibling's birth accompanied significant, albeit temporary, increases in children's behavior problems.…

Household survey data and family histories from three highland Philippine communities were analyzed for differentials of age, sex, and birth order of siblings relative to the contributions they made to brothers and sisters. Apparent specializations among siblings provide evidence of role complementarity. (Author/TE)

Tests whether an increase in number of sons in the family decreases the sex-typing of traditionally female tasks and whether an increase in the number of daughters increases sex-typing of traditionally female chores. Examines the reverse pattern for male chores. Results support the hypotheses for the female-specific tasks. (BH)

Noting that previous research showed younger siblings systematically more sexually active at given age than older siblings, used national data to explore relationship between sibling birth order and sexual behavior. Testing of process-oriented models revealed very slight support for opportunity model for white older sisters and white younger…

Examined role of adult siblings in caregiving for severely mentally ill using data from 109 siblings named by patients released from mental hospitals and 24-hour crisis care facilities. Results indicated that greater patient need, positive attitudes toward ill sibling, and other role involvements were major factors influencing sibling caregiving.…

Fifty pairs of sisters with at least one parent over age 75 years were interviewed about parents' situation and how they and their siblings divided filial responsibilities. Results showed that, once parents were perceived to have needs, sibling groups organized to meet them. Found five styles of participation and three factors affecting styles and…