Two studies examined preschoolers' conflict behavior in peer and sibling dyads. Found that conflicts were quickly resolved in nonaggressive ways, and they occurred within the context of ongoing, coordinated play. Most conflicts occurred between same-gender dyads. Age was also found to influence conflict behavior. (HTH)

A mother of a severely handicapped child recounts her experiences and adjustment including the pressures of single parenting, sibling issues, and ways to meet one's emotional needs. (DB)

This study of 17 cases of incest between siblings found the women commonly experienced mistrust of men and women, chronic low or negative self-esteem, sexual response difficulties, and intrusive thoughts of the incest. Individual therapy, talking with supportive family and friends, and validating themselves as victims were seen as helpful.…

Examined differences in social and academic competence between Chinese 8- and 10-year olds with and without siblings. Unlike previous studies, results of peer assessment measures and behavior rating scales indicated no significant differences between the only-child subjects and those with siblings in the areas of social behavior, peer…

Used data on 3,625 respondents from National Survey of Families and Households to examine long-term consequences of childhood family structure for adult relationships with parents and siblings. Found that divorced single-parent families were associated with reduced solidarity between parents and children. Custodial mothers' remarriages were…

A search was made of confidential health department records in Great Britain for abused children, or children at risk for abuse, with siblings who had died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). An association was found between child abuse and about 10 percent of deaths of children diagnosed as SIDS. (BRM)

Examined Attachment Q-Set security scores as indexes of attachment security. Found that Q-Set scores (1) related positively to sensitive mothering and preschoolers' sociability toward mother during laboratory observations; (2) related negatively to children's negative affectivity during free play; and (3) were associated with levels of parenting…

Examined relative importance of emotional and social isolation to loneliness among very old rural adults (n=119). Found that emotional isolation, specifically loss of spouse, accounted for more loneliness than did social isolation. Hearing acuity and visits with siblings (social isolation variables) also were significant predictors of loneliness.…

The interpersonal relationships of 337 adolescents from Canada, Belgium, and Italy were compared. Important discrepancies were found among the adolescents from the three countries. Family held the most central role for Italian adolescents, whereas friends were more central for Canadians, and Belgians were in between. Variations in cultural context…

Using data on sibling pairs, this study shows that families are closely linked to the educational aspirations of children. About three quarters of the variance lies between families, but is not explained by socioeconomic status. Sex and ordinal position of siblings do not alter this relationship. (Author/EMK)

Examined whether intervention provided to low-income parents of firstborn children produced delayed benefits for later children by studying younger siblings of children in a family-support program. Found that intervention group siblings had better school attendance, were less likely to need remedial services, and were more likely to be making…

This case study examines the shifting bilingual preference of three French/English bilingual children over a 3-year period. Clarifies terms used to refer to bilingual preference. The children's fluctuating bilingual preference was accounted for in terms of three contextual domains: home (predominantly French-speaking), school, and community…

A phonological investigation of four siblings with autism found persistence of several phonological processes such as labilization, cluster reduction, or final consonant deletion beyond the expected age, evidence of unusual sound changes such as extensive segment coalescence, frication of liquids, and velarization, chronological mismatch, and…

Examined genetic and environmental contribution to self-reported peer-group characteristics among adoptive and nonadoptive adolescent sibling pairs. Found that although peer preference is influenced, in large part, by nonshared environment factors, genetic influence is present. Substantial genetic influence emerged for college orientation, and…

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…