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)

Observes sibling interaction over 10 weeks in a rural elementary school. Uses a grounded theory approach to research the nature of early sibling interaction outside the home. Analyzes interaction transcriptions. Finds overall image of sibling interaction that emerges is markedly positive; although finds some support for the contention that…

This study examined the nature and correlates of different patterns of perceived control in adolescents' relationships with their best friends. Participants included firstborn adolescents (M = 14.94 years), their younger siblings (M = 12.44 years) and both their mothers and fathers in 163 families as well as a best friend of each adolescent (M =…

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…

This study investigates the effect of childbearing on parental involvement in stepfamilies and intact families, based on the reports of 1,905 stepparents and biological parents from the National Survey of Families and Households. Regression analysis indicates that involvement with children declines over time, especially among respondents with only…

The main purpose of the present study was to investigate self-criticism as a potential mediating factor in the link between mother-adolescent relationships with aggression and perceptions of social competence. The sample consisted of 888 older (M = 14.3 years) and younger (M = 11.6 years) adolescent children from the same family. Maternal…

Research findings examining the adjustment of siblings of children with autism has been inconsistent, with some studies concluding that siblings are negatively impacted, while others have found no adverse effects. We argue that one reason for these inconsistent findings may be the failure by some investigators to take into account the increased…

Clergy-perpetrated sexual abuse rose to public attention in 2002 through the disclosure of abuse by Catholic priests within the Archdiocese of Boston and a simultaneous cover-up by church hierarchy. Similar patterns have since been described in other Catholic dioceses and in other faith denominations. While recent studies have examined the impact…

This study examined dynamics of families with handicapped children by focusing on the emotional, intellectual, and behavioral manner in which the undiagnosed siblings experience the diagnosis and existence of a brother's or sister's handicap within the context of their families. Subjects were 8 socioeconomically middle class families consisting of…

Examined impact of parental intervention on the quality of conflict behavior in 2- and 4-year olds. Found that parents intervened in fights in which children displayed few de-escalating strategies. Intervention was associated with children using fewer power strategies coupled with an increase in more sophisticated negotiation moves. Results…

Interviews with 24 children aged 9 to 13 about life with their younger siblings who had severe handicaps revealed a consistently high level of involvement and strong feelings of responsibility. While the children recognized the hardships engendered by their sibling's disability, they emphasized positive aspects of family life. (Author/JDD)

Examined the relationship between sibling caregiving and social cognitive knowledge. For each of 55 sibling dyads, the frequency of preschoolers' caregiving acts and the number of seconds the younger siblings were distressed were recorded. Although emotional role taking, knowledge of caregiving scripts, and toddler distress were positively related…

The use of statistical techniques by behavioral geneticists to divvy up separate genetic and environmental effects on individual traits is examined. The interactions between genes and environment and the effects that are produced between siblings are discussed. (KR)

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…

Previous research and first-hand experience suggest that a child with a disability can have a profound effect on family life. Although the need for sibling support has been acknowledged in legislation, the implications for non-disabled siblings remain unclear. In this article, Angie Naylor, lecturer in psychology, and Phil Prescott, senior…