Discusses birth order as a determinant of occupational roles. Considers the first- and second-born experience in relation to occupational status and choice. Explores sibling dynamics and the need for striving for significance in the family. Discusses identification and analysis of family constellations. (RC)

Reports a longitudinal investigation of family interaction variables and language development measured during preschool and again during the primary grades. In Black families of low income, preschool siblings (24 - 42 months of age) of second graders in two contrasting levels of reading achievement were observed in their homes. (Author/RH)

Investigated through direct observation in the home whether mothers socialize differently boys and girls growing up as opposite-sexed twins, triplets, and quadruplets as a function of their different genders. Children and mothers were rated on behaviors about which contradictory evidence had been reported in the literature. (Author/DB)

Birth order effects in brothers were found to derive from difference in family size. Effects for family size were found even with socioeconomic background controlled. Nor were family size effects explained by parental ability. The importance of unmeasured preferences or economic resources that vary across families was suggested. (Author/RD)

Thirty-four pairs of same-sex siblings were observed for two one-hour periods in their homes. The younger siblings averaged 20 months of age and the age interval between siblings was either large (2.5-4 years) or small (1-2 years). (JMB)

The article discusses the family of the hearing impaired child as the context for his or her disability, exploring such aspects as the father's role, the role of siblings, and the relationship between mental health and hearing impairment. (DLS)

The article describes a divorced mother's personal experiences in bringing up her deaf child. Aspects covered include dealing with her child's deafness, dealing with important decisions that had to be made, family relationships, the mother's role as a single parent, and the deaf child's school experience. (DLS)

The article discusses support services and sources for the families of handicapped children. Aspects covered include family involvement in early childhood education programs, emotional support, and family mental health. The characteristics of the "ideal" family are also discussed. (DLS)

Videotapes were made of 164 children aged eight or nine playing alone and playing with a parent in a toy room. Data on their parents' work histories, socialization techniques, and self report of sex roles were analyzed in relation to the children's play activities. Effects of family constellation were also investigated. (JMB)

This study compared perceptions of relationships with parents, best friends, siblings, and imaginary companions among 4-year-olds with invisible friends, object companions, or no imaginary companion. Findings indicated that parents afforded instrumental help, and siblings were associated with conflict. Real and imaginary friendship provisions were…

Analyzes a family systems' model that organizes and integrates the sparse knowledge about the experience of heterosexual family members in gays' and lesbians' families-of-origins. Delineates impact on family system of learning that a child or sibling is gay or lesbian, and provides implications for family life education and other activities. (RJM)

Fifty-two parents of adopted children with histories of abuse or neglect were interviewed. Parents of children with histories of physical and sexual abuse reported lower family functioning than parents of children with histories of neglect. Also, parents who adopted sibling groups reported fewer child externalizing behavior problems but lower…

Studied 82 maltreating and normative families to determine whether reported maltreated children and their siblings differ in terms of maltreatment and/or developmental anomalies. Findings indicated reported abused children and their siblings were similar in stressful life experiences, quality of home environment, reported behavior problems, and…

Examined relationships among aggression, viewing and enjoyment of television violence, and personality traits of extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism in sibling pairs (N=386) ages 11 to 16. Found no support for theory of causal effect on amount of viewing television violence on aggression. Found no within family correlations between amount…

Investigated the relationship of several demographic variables, family structure and family environment among 68 official chronic delinquents and 130 official nondelinquents. Results indicated that 10 variables explained 49 percent of the variance between the chronic delinquent and nondelinquent groups. Personal growth had most discriminating…