What we learn from our sisters and brothers: For better or for worse

Exploring Sibling Relationship Quality among Latinx Siblings: A Systematic Review

This systematic review addresses the gap in the literature regarding sibling relationship quality among Latinx families, a topic that has not been comprehensively examined to date. This study aimed to synthesize current research on sibling relationship quality in Latinx families, focusing on the influence of cultural factors, identifying key variables associated with sibling relationship quality, and evaluating the methodological approaches used. This paper is a systematic review based on a recently published evidence and gap map (EGM) that identified and visually presented all published studies investigating sibling relationship quality. Additional inclusion criteria were applied to select articles that specifically examined sibling relationship quality in the United States samples with at least 50% Latinx participants. The review included 12 articles representing 6 distinct studies, revealing significant findings on the roles of familism, simpatía, and gender in shaping sibling dynamics. Results indicated that cultural values such as familism and simpatía positively influence sibling intimacy and warmth, while gender dynamics further moderate these relationships. Methodologically, the articles employed longitudinal and cross-sectional designs, utilizing various quantitative measures. The findings underscore the importance of culturally sensitive approaches in studying sibling relationships and highlight the need for further research to explore these dynamics in diverse Latinx subgroups.

Sibling Support for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth: A Scoping Review

Sibling support for transgender and nonbinary (TNB) youth has the potential to improve TNB youths' mental health. A scoping review was conducted to map the knowledge of TNB youths' sibling relationships to create a foundation for the development of sibling-based support interventions for TNB youth. Nine included articles covered two areas: TNB youths' perceptions of sibling support (n = 5) and cisgender siblings' lived experience with a TNB sibling (n = 4). Siblings were perceived to support TNB youth, and their support was associated with less depression, suicidal ideation, and externalizing problems. Siblings of TNB youth lacked knowledge of TNB identities and support for their own understanding and acceptance. Siblings may experience unique stressors around their TNB sibling's changing gender identity. Overall, having a TNB sibling was perceived as a positive experience. None of the studies included intervention with or for siblings of TNB youth. Sibling support can be helpful for TNB youths' mental health. However, cisgender siblings' unique needs are rarely addressed. Providing cisgender siblings with knowledge of TNB identity, a place to process fears and concerns, and skills to navigate situations that may arise in relation to their sibling's gender, has the potential to benefit both siblings.

Illuminating the landscape of sibling relationship quality: An evidence and gap map

This paper used an evidence and gap map (EGM) to advance the scientific understanding of sibling relationship quality among children aged 2 to 18 years by synthesizing literature on 277 empirical studies from 1985 to 2022 to delineate patterns of study design, sampling, and measurement. Most existing research has utilized majority of White, middle-to-upper class, and/or two-caregiver family samples. Nearly 85% (n = 235) of studies used quantitative methods to measure sibling relationship quality across eight domains: conflict, warmth/affection, quality, cohesion, hostility, power/control, positive engagement, and conflict management. A total of 122 studies used a measure of sibling relationship quality as a predictor of sibling behavior, social, psychological, cognitive, health, or physiological outcomes. Future directions for research are discussed.

Sibling bullying reported by emerging adults: Profiling the prevalence, roles, and forms in a cross-country investigation

Prevalence estimates of sibling bullying indicate it occurs more frequently and with more negative consequences than peer bullying, yet many countries do not track or investigate the phenomenon. University students from Argentina, Estonia, and the United States were surveyed to investigate their retrospective experiences involving sibling bullying, how often it occurred, the roles held, and the forms communicated. In the aggregated data, roughly 50 % of the sampled emerging adults (N = 3477) reported experience with sibling bullying, with the dual role of bully-victim being the most frequently reported role held by males and females, with the second role being bully for males and victim for females. Verbal forms of bullying were most frequently reported by males and females, with physical, relational, and technological forms occurring less frequently, indicating the importance of studying the messages conveyed during bullying incidents. Variations between biological sex, bullying role and form were detected that indicate siblings experience bullying in ways that are unique from peer bullying. Country comparisons revealed bullying frequencies varied among males and females, suggesting sibling bullying experiences are likely to be culturally influenced. More research is warranted to examine the negative impact bullying has on sibling psycho-social development and the potential transfer to non-familial relationships and contexts. Discussion of these findings and the implications for academics and practitioners alike is provided.

Transgender and nonbinary young adults' depression and suicidality is associated with sibling and parental acceptance-rejection

INTRODUCTION

Transgender and nonbinary young adults (TNB YA) report high rates of depression and more suicidality than their cisgender counterparts. Parental rejection is a known predictor of worse mental health among TNB YA; however, less is known about TNB YA experiences of sibling acceptance-rejection. The purpose of this study was to determine how TNB YA perception of sibling and parental acceptance-rejection are related to TNB YA depression and suicidality.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

METHODS

TNB YA (ages 18-25) who had disclosed their gender identity to an adult sibling were recruited to take part in an online study and completed measures of sibling and parent acceptance-rejection, depression, as well as lifetime and past year suicidality. Stepwise regressions were conducted to evaluate associations between acceptance-rejection and TNB YA depression and suicidality.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 286 TNB YA (Mage  = 21.5, SD = 2.2) who were predominantly White (80.6%) and assigned female sex at birth (92.7%). Each family member's acceptance-rejection was associated with increased TNB YA depression scores when considered independently and combined. Independently, high rejection from each family member was associated with greater odds of reporting most suicidality outcomes. When all family members were considered together, only high rejection from a male parent was associated with four times greater odds of reporting lifetime suicidality. High rejection from both parents was associated with greater odds of reporting past year suicide attempt (OR: 3.26 female parent; 2.75 male parent).

CONCLUSION

Rejection from family members is associated with worse depression and suicidality, and rejection from male parents may be particularly damaging. Sibling acceptance uniquely contributes to TNB YA's depression symptoms alone and in the context of parental support.

Health-related behaviors and weight-related outcomes within sibling pairs: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Siblings reciprocally contribute to mutual social and physical development. The aim of this review was to examine the health-related behaviors and weight-related outcomes within child-sibling pairs and to determine how these factors vary by sibling composition.

METHODS

Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review of studies published since 2000 obtained from MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane Reviews, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Health and Wellness, and Science Direct was performed. The eligibility criteria for inclusion were: 1) peer-reviewed and published in English; 2) included children ages 2 to 20 and their siblings; and 3) explored health-related behaviors (i.e., diet) and/or weight-related outcomes (i.e., body weight) within child-sibling dyads.

RESULTS

A total of 13 studies were included in the review. The study findings are summarized according to three major themes: 1) sibling concordance in health-related behaviors and weight-related outcomes, 2) differences in health-related behaviors within weight-concordant/weight-discordant sibling dyads, and 3) influence of sibling composition on health-related behaviors and weight-related outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Family-based interventions for childhood obesity may benefit from including siblings as key family members in promoting children's health-related behaviors and preventing excessive weight gain. Future studies should explore variable sibling dynamics (e.g., adoptive siblings) in more culturally/racially diverse families to further explore the role of a sibling in a child's health.

IMPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE

The findings of this study may help healthcare providers in developing effective family-based obesity interventions for families with more than one child in their household.

Do siblings influence one another? Unpacking processes that occur during sibling conflict

This study examined the extent to which 205 sibling dyads influenced each other during conflict. Data were collected between 2013 to 2015. The sample included 5.9% Black, 15.1% South Asian, 15.1% East Asian, and 63.8% White children. Older siblings were between 7-13 years old (Female = 109) and younger siblings were 5-9 years old (Female = 99). Siblings' conflict resolution was analyzed using dynamic structural equation modeling. Modeling fluctuations in moment-to-moment data (20-s intervals) allowed for a close approximation of causal influence. Older and younger siblings were found to influence one another. Younger sisters were more constructive than younger brothers, especially in sister-sister dyads. Sibling age gap predicted inertia in older siblings. Socialization processes within sibling relationships are discussed.

Conceptualizing Emotion Regulation and Coregulation as Family-Level Phenomena

The ability to regulate one’s emotions is foundational for healthy development and functioning in a multitude of domains, whereas difficulties in emotional regulation are recognized as a risk factor for a range of adverse outcomes in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Caregivers play a key role in cultivating the development of emotion regulation through coregulation, or the processes by which they provide external support or scaffolding as children navigate their emotional experiences. The vast majority of research to date has examined coregulation in the context of caregiver–child dyads. In this paper, we consider emotion regulation and coregulation as family-level processes that unfold within and across multiple family subsystems and explore how triadic and whole family interactions may contribute to the development of children’s emotion regulation skills. Furthermore, we will examine the implications of a family-centered perspective on emotion regulation for prevention of and intervention for childhood emotional and behavioral disorders. Because emotion regulation skills undergo such dramatic maturation during children’s first several years of life, much of our focus will be on coregulation within and across the family system during early childhood; however, as many prevention and intervention approaches are geared toward school-aged children and adolescents, we will also devote some attention to later developmental periods.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the associations between interparental and sibling relationships: Positive or negative?

According to family systems theory, a family is regarded as an organized whole and relations within this system are interconnected. However, it is not clear to date whether the interparental and the sibling relationship are associated and, if such an association exists, whether it is positive or negative. Previous findings on the associations between the interparental and sibling relationships are inconsistent and there is as yet no pertinent review or meta-analysis. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis set out (1) to aggregate previous studies investigating the links between the interparental and sibling relationships and (2) to examine potential moderators in this link. Based on 47 studies reporting 234 effect sizes (N = 29,746 from six nations; 6-12 years; 49% boys), meta-analytic results suggest a small positive correlation between interparental and sibling relationship quality (r = .14). Only the percentage of male children in the sample moderated this effect. Sex composition of sibling dyad and source of publication affected whether positive or negative associations were found. The findings support a growing consensus that family relations do not function in isolation, but are mutually interdependent, which should be considered in clinical practice.

A Pilot Study of Younger Sibling Adaptation: Contributions of Individual Variables, Daily Stress, Interparental Conflict and Older Sibling's Variables

Older siblings are powerful socialization agents, playing a significant role in the sociocognitive, social, and emotional development of their younger siblings. However, there are few clues about the variables that explain younger sibling's adaptation. The objective of this pilot study was to identify the determinants of younger siblings' adaptation and to analyze the role played by personal, sibling, family and older siblings' variables using 50 dyads of siblings aged between 7 and 18 years. The variables considered were the sibling relationships and the maladaptation of older siblings, and individual (sex, number of siblings, extroversion, and agreeableness) and contextual variables (interparental conflict, daily stress) were controlled. Hierarchical multiple regressions provided evidence in favor of the model that analyzed the younger siblings' maladaptation to school, showing positive associations both with the older siblings' level of school maladaptation and with sibling conflict. In addition, the study highlighted the relevance of the trait of agreeableness and of family stress in the adaptation of younger siblings.

My Brother's Keeper? The Sibling Subsystem in the Context of Physical and Sexual Child Abuse

The sibling subsystem is of central importance and a possible protective factor for children. Nevertheless, it remains surprisingly understudied and lacks any theoretical or conceptual framework. The current study explored the sibling subsystem in the context of child abuse (CA). Thorough thematic analysis was conducted on the narratives of 30 children referred to forensic interviews following suspected physical or sexual abuse by a parent. Aged 4-14, all had at least one sibling each and referred to this sibling during their interviews in the specific context of the CA they had experienced. Their narratives shed light on two dynamics that can characterize the sibling subsystem in the context of CA: compensation and spillover of the trauma into the sibling subsystem. They stress the centrality of the sibling subsystem in the children's lives and the siblings' role in the children's survival of CA. The current study's findings emphasize the urgency of continuing to develop studies in this area, as they will likely contribute to both prevention and intervention efforts.

The Role of Siblings in Talent Development: Implications for Sport Psychologists and Coaches

Developing talent requires consideration of social networks that can facilitate or inhibit progression. Of fundamental influence in this regard is the family, with recent investigation extending its focus from parents to the role of siblings. As such, the purpose of this Conceptual Analysis article is to, firstly, review the characteristics of the sibling relationship that may support or inhibit talent development. Secondly, the analysis then provides empirically derived practical examples to emphasize the holistic and complex role that siblings can play in talent development. Thirdly, strategies are proposed to support practitioners identify specific sibling characteristics, alongside recommendations for how the relationship can be utilized within both the formal and informal environments by coaches and psychologists. Finally, and crucially, important implications of these characteristics are considered to support effective coach and sport psychologist decision making.

Predictors of sibling victimization and associations with self-perception and relationship attachment in adolescence

Research has shown that sibling victimization may be as detrimental to adolescent outcomes as peer victimization. However, many questions remain unanswered with regard to potential protective parenting factors and consequences sibling victimization among adolescents. This study tested a mediation model of sibling victimization with parental monitoring, a positive parenting factor, as a predictor and parent and peer-adolescent attachment as mediated by adolescent self-perceptions as potential outcomes. A three path mediation from parental monitoring → sibling victimization → adolescent self-perceptions → peer/parent-adolescent attachment was also tested. Structural Equation Modeling revealed that parental monitoring was negatively associated with sibling victimization only for girls. Sibling victimization had negative direct and indirect effects on parent- and peer-adolescent attachment via adolescent self-perceptions of social competence and self-worth. Findings suggest that parental monitoring may be important in the prevention of sibling victimization and self-perceptions may be an important point of intervention adolescents experiencing sibling victimization.

The Sibling Effect for Delinquency: Mediation by Proactive Criminal Thinking and Moderation by Age

This study tested whether the sibling delinquency effect, like the peer influence effect, is mediated by proactive (planned, calculated, and amoral) criminal thinking. Youth who completed the Offending, Crime and Justice Survey (OCJS) and had a sibling living at home were divided into an early adolescent subsample (n = 795) and a mid-adolescent subsample (n = 532) after it was determined that age moderated the effect of sibling delinquency on proactive criminal thinking and serious offending. The results of a causal mediation analysis revealed a significant pathway running from sibling delinquency at Wave 1, to proactive criminal thinking at Wave 2, to serious offending at Wave 3, but only in the early adolescent subsample. These results suggest that the sibling delinquency effect may be the result of learning proactive criminal thinking in association with a delinquent sibling while still an early adolescent.

Youngest versus oldest child: why does mothers' snack choice differ?

Young children frequently consume energy dense snacks, which is one of the factors contributing to childhood overweight. The consumption of more healthy snacks could help in meeting the dietary intake requirements of children. Previous research suggested that mothers of first children showed more health-conscious food behavior compared to mothers of not-first children. However, what is missing from earlier research is an in-depth exploration of differences in considerations to choose a snack and the reasons connected. Therefore, this study aims to characterize differences in mothers' snack choice for their youngest child at 2-3 years and their oldest child when he/she was of the same age. Moreover, this study aims to identify reasons for these differences. A grounded theory approach was used for data collection and analysis. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 17 Dutch mothers with two or three children. All mothers indicated differences between snacks provided to their youngest child (2-3 years) and their oldest child when it was of the same age. Most frequently mentioned differences were youngest children receive unhealthy snacks at a younger age, the structure regarding snack providing is more fixed, and that youngest children receive less age-specific snacks. Most frequently mentioned reasons for these differences were role-modelling, novelty of the first-born, availability of other types of snacks at home, and school hours of the oldest child. The study provided insights into the possible role of siblings in shaping snack consumption. Results might be relevant for the development of intervention strategies to increase mothers' awareness and to help to meet children's dietary requirements.

Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sibling Relationships: Exploring Implications for Intervention Using a Family Systems Framework

Purpose There is currently a very limited scope of research in the field of speech-language pathology on sibling involvement in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Principles of family systems theory (FST) recognize the interrelatedness and dynamic nature of the family unit, making it a relevant and useful guiding framework for future research and practice on sibling involvement in intervention. Method In this article, core principles of FST are reviewed, followed by the state of research related to sibling relationships in ASD, and roles of typically developing siblings and siblings with ASD in intervention programs. Implications for adopting an FST framework as well as considerations and future directions in this area of research and clinical practice are discussed. Results According to the principles of FST on the inclusion of siblings in treatment, there are several considerations to be made at the level of the child with ASD, the sibling(s), and the family unit. Factors such as developmental level, communication status, and areas of strength, challenge, and interest are key features of the children and family that will need to be addressed in order to promote positive sibling involvement and family functioning. Conclusions The development of family-centered sibling intervention programs for individuals with ASD is an area of research that warrants further exploration. With the guidance of the FST framework, researchers and clinicians can work to develop innovative interventions that consider the unique characteristics of each family to optimize outcomes at the levels of each individual, the sibling relationship, and the family as a unit.

Self-Esteem in Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence: a Critical Review of the Role of Sibling Relationships and Agenda for Future Research

This paper provides a critical analysis of research on self-esteem in children exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV), with particular emphasis on the role of sibling relationships. Over 100 empirical and review articles published from 2000 to 2015 examining self-esteem in children exposed to IPV, the role of sibling relationships in the development of self-esteem, and the sibling relationships of children exposed to IPV, were reviewed. Research findings show that self-esteem is an important component of understanding children's positive adjustment and their adjustment difficulties. A substantial research literature also documents that siblings significantly influence one another's self-esteem; however, the potential risk or protective function of sibling relationships in the development of self-esteem in children and adolescents exposed to IPV has only been minimally investigated. This is a serious gap in the literature, as this information has significant potential for informing prevention and intervention programming. Recommendations for future research were provided.

The Sibling Relationship in the Context of Child Maltreatment: What Do We Know? What Are the Directions for the Future?

Siblings share a common and unique bond. It is one of the most enduring relationships during an individual's life span. Thus, the impact of child maltreatment on sibling relationships is an important area of research to explore. The current article carries out a scoping review targeted at determining the existing knowledge and then identifying research priorities within the field of sibling relationship in the context of child maltreatment. The method elaborates on the various stages that were taken to perform the scoping review, and later, the article provides three results for the readers: The first result is a detailed mapping of the existing literature in the area of sibling relationship in the context of maltreatment. The second result is a thorough thematic analysis that was carried out on this literature that focused on several relevant domains: sibling exposure to intimate partner violence, sibling relationship and experiences in the context of child maltreatment, risk assessment for siblings following maltreatment, and sibling relationships and out-of-home placement. The third result is a set of conclusions targeted mainly at recommending future directions to researchers.

Children's Vulnerability to Interparental Conflict: The Protective Role of Sibling Relationship Quality

This study tested whether the strength of the mediational pathway involving interparental conflict, adolescent emotional insecurity, and their psychological problems depended on the quality of their sibling relationships. Using a multimethod approach, 236 adolescents (M_age  = 12.6 years) and their parents participated in three annual measurement occasions. Tests of moderated mediation revealed that indirect paths among interparental conflict, insecurity, and psychological problems were significant for teens with low, but not high, quality bonds with siblings. High-quality (i.e., strong) sibling relationships conferred protection by neutralizing interparental conflict as a precursor of increases in adolescent insecurity. Results did not vary as a function of the valence of sibling relationship properties, adolescent sex, or gender and age compositions of the dyad.

The Changing Nature of Power, Control, and Influence in Sibling Relationships

The sibling relationship is unique in that it transforms across development from hierarchical in early childhood, to egalitarian by adulthood. The present article reviews the previous theorizing and research literature regarding how and why power, control, and therefore sibling influence, change over the course of the first couple of decades, and introduces the goals and advancements made by the new research presented in this issue.

Sleep Disruption in Pediatric Cancer Survivors: Conceptual Framework and Opportunities for Clinical Assessment and Behavioral Treatment

Sleep disruption is a commonly reported consequence of cancer and its treatment in pediatric patients and survivors. This review summarizes common sleep concerns in this population and introduces a multidimensional framework of risk factors specific to childhood cancer that may interact to develop and maintain disrupted sleep. Based on the extant literature, parameters of the cancer and its treatment, physical and social environmental conditions both during and after treatment, changes to family behavior and norms, psychological factors and traumatic stress, and reduced physical activity are hypothesized to be the most pertinent risk factors for disrupted sleep in this population. Potential clinical assessment strategies and behavioral interventions relevant to these considerations are discussed, with reference to the behavioral model of insomnia. The review concludes by offering directions for research and clinical practice, including developing and testing comprehensive assessment tools, intervention effectiveness studies in both oncology and primary care clinics, and efforts to increase patient-provider communication about sleep in pediatric oncology.

Fighting With Siblings and With Peers Among Urban High School Students

Understanding the determinants of fighting is important for prevention efforts. Unfortunately, there is little research on how sibling fighting is related to peer fighting. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between sibling fighting and peer fighting. Data are from the Boston Youth Survey 2008, a school-based sample of youth in Boston, MA. To estimate the association between sibling fighting and peer fighting, we ran four multivariate regression models and estimated adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals. We fit generalized estimating equation models to account for the fact that students were clustered within schools. Controlling for school clustering, race/ethnicity, sex, school failure, substance use, and caregiver aggression, youth who fought with siblings were 2.49 times more likely to have reported fighting with peers. To the extent that we can confirm that sibling violence is associated with aggressive behavior, we should incorporate it into violence prevention programming.

Within-family obesity associations: evaluation of parent, child, and sibling relationships

BACKGROUND

How parent and sibling obesity status comparatively shape a child's obesity is unknown.

PURPOSE

To investigate how the obesity status of different children within the same family is related to a parent or sibling's obesity.

METHODS

A national sample of adults in 10,244 American households was surveyed during 2011; data were analyzed in 2012-2013. Of these households, 1,948 adults had one or two children; provided sociodemographic information; and reported on adult and child height and weight, physical activity, and food environment. Logistic regression models were estimated in which the outcome of interest was child obesity status, with parent and sibling obesity as key predictors, adjusting for a range of both adult and child social and demographic confounders.

RESULTS

In one-child households, it was 2.2 times more likely (SE=0.5) that the child would be obese if a parent was obese. In households with two children, having an obese younger sibling was more strongly associated with elder-child obesity (OR=5.4, SE=1.9) than parent's obesity status (OR=2.3, SE=0.8). Having an obese elder sibling was associated with younger-child obesity (OR=5.6, SE=1.9), and parent obesity status was no longer significant. Within-family sibling obesity was more strongly patterned between siblings of the same gender than between different genders, and child physical activity was significantly associated with obesity status.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering offspring composition and sibling gender may be beneficial in childhood obesity prevention and intervention.

Reciprocal and Complementary Sibling Interactions: Relations with Socialization Outcomes in the Kindergarten Classroom

RESEARCH FINDINGS

To examine associations between sibling interaction patterns and later social outcomes in single- and two-parent families, 113 kindergarteners took part in naturalistic observations at home with siblings, classmates participated in sociometric interviews, and teachers completed behavior ratings. Sibling interactions were coded using a newly-developed 39-item checklist, and proportions of complementary and reciprocal sibling interactions computed. Complementarity occurred more among dyads where kindergartners were with toddler or infant siblings than among kindergartners with older or near-age younger siblings. Higher levels of complementarity predicted lower levels of internalizing but were not related to externalizing problems. Kindergartners' sociometric status in the classroom differed as a function of sibling interaction patterns, with neglected and controversial children experiencing less complementarity/more reciprocity than popular, average, and rejected children. Finally, there was some evidence for differential associations of sibling interaction patterns with social outcomes for children in single- versus two-parent families: regressions testing interaction effects show sibling reciprocity positively associated with kindergartners' social skills only in single-parent families, and complementary sibling interactions positively related to internalizing problems only in two-parent families.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Those working with divorcing or other single-parent families might consider sibling interactions as a potential target for social skill building.

Neonatal and neurodevelopmental outcome of children aged 3-10 years born following assisted oocyte activation

Assisted oocyte activation (AOA) using a calcium ionophore has been used for more than a decade following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) fertilization failure. However, since AOA does not mimic precisely the physiological fertilization process, concerns exist about its use in human assisted reproduction. This study assessed the neonatal and neurodevelopmental outcome of children aged ≥ 3 years who had been born following AOA in our centre. Twenty-one children participated in the study (81% response rate; mean age 63.6 ± 21.07 months). Neonatal data were collected via questionnaires. Neurodevelopmental outcome was tested using the Reynell Developmental Language Scales or Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals, Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence or Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children III. Behaviour was scored by the Social Communication Questionnaire, the Child Behaviour Checklist and the Teachers Report Form. For all tests and questionnaires, the mean outcomes lay within the expected ranges. These are first data on the developmental outcome of AOA children. The high response rate and the robustness of the tests support the data, which are reassuring although still considered preliminary. Therefore, AOA should still be performed only in selected couples.

Exploring the later life relationship between adults with cerebral palsy and their non-disabled siblings

PURPOSE

Adults with moderate or severe cerebral palsy often require significant lifetime support from family and formal services. The aim of this study was to use a life course approach to explore how previous life experiences impact on the later life relationships of people with moderate to severe cerebral palsy aged 40 years and over and their non-disabled siblings.

METHOD

Twelve adults with moderate to severe cerebral palsy and 16 of their non-disabled siblings were interviewed twice to explore their relationships. Constructivist grounded theory method was used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

Four themes were identified as important in understanding these later life sibling relationships: sharing childhood experiences, contact in adulthood, diminishing parental role and increasing support needs.

CONCLUSIONS

The life course approach indicated that siblings' growing up together was important for the development and maintenance of emotional closeness later in life. Emotional closeness and familial obligation were important factors in motivating siblings with and without cerebral palsy to maintain or re-establish contact with each other in adulthood. Maintenance of sibling relationships in later life is dependent on health, proximity and the ability to keep in contact with each other. Implications for Rehabilitation As adults with severe cerebral palsy live longer, their relationships with non-disabled siblings often take on increased importance and particularly as their parents may be no longer able to provide support. Service providers have a role in helping ageing siblings with and without disability to maintain and build their relationships, for example, by supporting geographically distant siblings to keep in touch. Service providers have a role in supporting the person with a disability and their siblings to make plans for the future.