Psychometric evaluation of 58 reading-disabled children, matched controls, and their nuclear families was employed to identify familial patterns of impairment in cognitive abilities. Certain types of genetic transmission or a combination of causes may be responsible for reading disability. (Author/GDC)

Studied with the 10-year-old sister of a 9-year-old girl diagnosed as autistic, and the 11- and 12-year-old brothers of a 9-year-old boy diagnosed as severely neurologically impaired was the effectiveness of siblings as behavior change agents for their behaviorally disturbed brothers and sisters, and the ability of parents to be reliable observers…

The study examined psychosocial characteristics of 24 siblings of handicapped children (ages 3-7) in relation to a control group of 22 siblings of nonhandicapped children. Results indicated no statistically significant differences between groups on measures of perceived self-competence and acceptance, understanding of developmental disabilities,…

When students (N=38), labeled as gifted for at least five years, their parents (N=53), and siblings (N=28) completed an attitude scale, results indicated that non-labeled siblings came to terms with the label. The gifted child was less certain about the positive feelings of siblings and parents regarding the label. (Author/CB)

Discusses the differing study findings regarding the impact of self-care on children. Describes the "Balancing Work and Family Life" project, which tested a self-care preparation curriculum designed to teach children and parents the skills necessary for safety and survival in self-care settings. (SO)

The mental health consequences of having a handicapped brother or sister and factors that may be related to psychological adjustment are discussed. Also explored are the use of parental consultation, behavior modification, and discussion groups as potential intervention strategies with siblings of the handicapped. (Author)

A single parent relates personal experiences and feelings regarding the death of her 16-year-old son. She also describes ways in which those who have lost a child can be comforted. (BB)

Investigates whether 6- to 12-month-old infants' exposure to the successful search behavior of a sibling in two object-concept tasks would enhance infants' subsequent performance on these tasks. (HOD)

Considers three questions: Do mothers of siblings show consistency in behavior to their children when observed with each child at 24 months? What stability is there in behavior of mothers toward their children from 12 to 24 months? Are sibling status or genetic factors related to differences between mothers in relative consistency or inconsistency…

Investigates (1) whether differences between boys and girls indicated by teacher rating were similar to those indicated by direct observation and (2) whether teachers' assessments of the relative frequencies with which children show particular types of behavior agree with those obtained by direct observation. (RH)

Preschool children's behavorial and physiological responses to separation were monitored before, during, and after their mothers' hospitalization for the birth of a sibling. Play sessions were videotaped simultaneously with activity level and heart rate monitoring, nighttime sleep was timelapse videotaped, and parents completed questionnaires…

The behaviors of 57 mothers, their preschool-age children, and their infants were observed using a modified "strange situation" to explore the older siblings' potential to act as subsidiary attachment figures. Gamelike tasks were used to assess the conceptual perspective-taking abilities of the older children. (Author/RH)

Explores questions concerning within-family environment using data from 348 families that each included 2 siblings 11 to 17 years of age. Results indicate that siblings in the same family experience different environments and that these differences are related to developmental differences between siblings. (Author/BE)

Examined impact of birth order on social skills and academic performance of children and adolescents (N=3,568). Results revealed no significant relationship between birth order and academic performance but did reveal a significant positive relationship between birth order and social skills. Leadership skills were related to birth order for males.…

Investigated the reactions of 33 adolescents to the death of a sibling, using private interviews. Emotions reported included shock, confusion, numbness, depression, and anger. For most respondents study habits became worse. Many peers were portrayed as uncertain and uncomfortable. Implications for school counselors are discussed. (JAC)