Perceived Sibling Relationships and Adolescent Development

Sibling comparisons, sibling relationship quality, and perceived sport competence in young athletes

Siblings are overlooked, yet potentially meaningful social agents in youth sport. To better understand the role of siblings in youth sport, we examined the association between sibling sport-referenced comparisons, relationship qualities, and perceived sport competence. The tendency to make sibling comparisons was expected to be positively related to sport competence perceptions and this association was further expected to be moderated by markers of sibling relationship quality. Participants were 47 sport-involved sibling dyads that included older siblings (25 female, 22 male, Mage = 10.94 ± 1.49 yrs) who were predominately first-born children (83%) and their younger siblings (23 female, 24 male participants, Mage = 8.45 ± 1.01 yrs) who were mostly second-born children (79%). Participants completed established assessments of comparison tendency, sibling relationship qualities, and sport competence perceptions. Analyses revealed a three-way interaction between birth position (younger or older sibling), tendency to compare, and sibling warmth predicting sport competence (p < .05). Younger siblings with a greater tendency to make sibling comparisons and higher warmth perceptions reported higher sport competence perceptions. The findings suggest that sibling-based comparisons and relational warmth may be salient for younger siblings in gauging their competence, whereas older siblings utilize alternative sources of competence information.

Sibling Violence and Bullying Behaviors in Peers: The Mediational Role of Self-Esteem

In the context of the existing research on families, sibling violence is a less explored area. However, it has seemingly received more attention recently, and it can assume a relevant role in understanding the maladaptive behavior of youngsters and bullying. Additionally, adolescents involved in bullying and self-esteem are associated with disruptive violence inside the family context. This study's sample consisted of 286 students, aged between 12 and 17 years, from both sexes. This study intends to explore the association between sibling violence and bullying behavior in peers and the mediator effect of self-esteem. The measures for data collection were a demographic questionnaire, the Social Exclusion and School Violence Questionnaire, The Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (Portuguese version for siblings), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The results show a negative effect between negotiation in the sibling relationship (victimization) and social exclusion and verbal aggression related to bullying behavior. Self-esteem represents a total and negative mediator in this connection. Our results also show a variety of indirect outcomes amongst the negotiation dimension, psychological aggression and injury between siblings, and the social exclusion and verbal aggression dimensions (on the aggression and victimization scales). The results will be discussed according to the attachment theory but considering the importance of affective bonds with siblings as a predisposing factor to an adaptive development course.

Associations Among Adolescents' Mindfulness, Sympathy, Cognitive Empathy, and Sibling Relationships

In the current study, we examined the direct and indirect paths from mindfulness to adolescents' sibling relationships through their cognitive empathy and sympathy. The sample consisted of 220 adolescents (50.9 % female) between age of 13 and 17 years (M = 15.86, SD = 0.91). Participants reported their mindfulness (acceptance and awareness), cognitive empathy and sympathy, and sibling relationships. The parallel mediation model revealed that mindful awareness and acceptance predicted kindness, involvement, and empathy within sibling relationships through sympathy. In addition, there was a significant indirect effect of mindful awareness to empathy in sibling relationships through cognitive empathy. Findings provided information regarding the importance of indirect contributions of mindfulness to sibling relationships through cognitive empathy and sympathy.

Self-esteem among Individuals with Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review

Purpose

Self-esteem is important for decision making, emotional health, and overall well-being. In individuals with hearing loss (HL), self-esteem may vary due to degree of HL, hearing devices, academic set-ups and communication strategies used by family members. This study aimed to systematically review the impact of hearing loss on self-esteem.

Method

A systematic search was conducted to identify the studies focusing on self-esteem of the individuals with HL. Four electronic databases, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and CINAHL, were used. Title screening and abstract reading were performed by two independent authors. Appropriate studies were considered for full-length reading. The references of the obtained articles were manually searched to identify eligible studies. A mixed-methods appraisal tool was used to critically appraise the included studies.

Results

Out of 1219, twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Individuals with HL exposed to total communication had a positive impact on self-esteem. Interestingly, hearing competence of parents and siblings was linked with their self-esteem. Children with HL have higher self-esteem than normal-hearing children. Children with HL attending mainstream schooling and using cochlear implants had positive and higher self-esteem. Further, higher education level, employment, and marital status were effectively associated with self-esteem.

Conclusion

Positive self-esteem intensely improves mental and emotional well-being. Appropriate and timely provided rehabilitation accompanied by family support can induce healthier and more fulfilling social life. Additionally, healthy self-esteem can empower individuals with HL to engage in social activities diligently. To sum up, early intervention and family participation are required to improve overall quality of life.

Quaranteens: Prepandemic relationship quality and changes in adolescent internalizing problems during the COVID-19 pandemic

This preregistered longitudinal study examined changes in adolescents' depressive and anxiety symptoms before and during the COVID-19 pandemic using latent additive piece-wise growth models. It also assessed whether support from and conflict with mothers, fathers, siblings, and best friends explained heterogeneity in change patterns. One hundred and ninety-two Dutch adolescents (Mean age: 14.3 years; 68.8% female) completed online biweekly questionnaires for a year (November 2019-October 2020), consisting of a prepandemic, lockdown, and reopening phase. Depressive symptoms increased following the lockdown and decreased upon reopening. Anxiety symptoms showed an immediate decrease followed by a gradual increase in the reopening phase. Prepandemic family and best friend support and conflict did not explain heterogeneity in depressive and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Influence of hearing loss on sibling relationships: Perspectives of the normal hearing sibling

BACKGROUND

Sibling relationships, one of the most extended relationships in life, contribute to an individual's social and emotional development. However, this relationship may be influenced if one sibling has a hearing loss.

OBJECTIVES

This study explored the influence of a hearing loss on the sibling relationship by gaining the perspectives of the sibling with normal hearing.

METHOD

Adopting a phenomenological research design, semi-structured online interviews were conducted using Zoom and WhatsApp with nine participants who have siblings with hearing loss.

RESULTS

Hearing loss may significantly impact the normal hearing sibling's quality of life, affecting their psychological and social well-being, familial and peer relationships and overall experiences. Personal development, independence, maturity and closer sibling bonds were some of the positive influences reported by the participants. Attendance to aural rehabilitation therapy sessions, knowledge of hearing loss, personalities and household living arrangements positively influenced the relationship between siblings. The lack of attendance to aural rehabilitation sessions resulted in communication difficulties between siblings.

CONCLUSION

There is a need to include siblings in aural rehabilitation and family engagements related to the child with hearing loss to provide a holistic and more effective rehabilitation and adjustment process.Contribution: This study aimed to improve family-centred intervention as it is focussing on the siblings' perspectives of the hearing loss. Furthermore, previous studies have generally focussed on adults and not much research has been conducted surrounding the sibling relationship.

Sibling Separation Due to Parental Divorce: Diagnostic Aspects

Separation of siblings is one of the most difficult diagnostic problems faced by psychologists. Such situations are happening more often in the face of the increasing number of divorces and breakdown of relationships. Therefore, a diagnostic task becomes an in-depth assessment of intra-family relationships, ties connecting family members, the preferences of individual people and predicting the long-term consequences of the proposed solutions. The article is dedicated to this problem, and the issue is addressed through the theoretical perspective and the analysis of two cases, i.e., the situation of separated siblings. In the study of children, we present a relatively new method, based on the authors' clinical experience, which could be used to diagnose the family situation of children. The first goal was to analyze the reasons for the separation of siblings whose parents were in conflict during the separation (first case study) and after the separation (second case study), as well as to assess the functioning of the children resulting from the family breakdown, and the decision to separate them from siblings. The analysis allowed identifying the areas of sibling functioning, which should become the subject of diagnosis when working on expert opinions in divorce cases, or cases establishing contact between parents and children. The second aim of the report was to assess the effectiveness of using play as a diagnostic method in a situation that is a source of stress for the child (family breakdown) and causes tension (the diagnostic process in which this topic is discussed).

Mediating Effects of Intimacy Between Body Talk and Girls' Body Dissatisfaction: The Forgotten Sibling Relationship

Teasing and pressure from family members influences the development of body dissatisfaction. Body dissatisfaction is a common experience for girls and can lead to eating disorders. However, most body image disturbance research to date neglects the possible influence of siblings. In light of this, the present study investigated the associations between sibling negative appearance-based talk, intimacy, and body dissatisfaction. The sample consisted of 113 mostly White, female adolescents, whose ages ranged from 12 to 19 years with a mean age of 14.85 (SD = 1.62). This study first examined direct associations between negative body talk, including appearance related teasing and pressure from siblings, and girls' body dissatisfaction. Second, indirect effects models with intimacy included were examined. There were significant direct links between appearance related pressure from siblings and body dissatisfaction, and significant indirect effects such that sibling teasing and pressure were associated with sibling intimacy, which was associated with body dissatisfaction. These results indicate that siblings play an important role in the development of girls' body dissatisfaction.

Toward an Integrated Understanding of the Youth Sport System

The aim of the present article is to outline a heuristic model that facilitates movement toward an integrated understanding of the youth sport system. We define the youth sport system as the set of interdependent persons and contexts that influence and are influenced by an athlete in youth sport. Our model builds directly from a systems perspective, and its tenets of holism, feedback loops, and roles. Specifically, we argue that the persons and contexts that surround an athlete in youth sport should be examined collectively, self-correct over time, and take on certain functions that are negotiated over time. The model extends past contributions toward integration by outlining how proximal and distal processes within youth sport can be studied in a more unified way. Looking forward, research designed to capture the nuanced ways persons and contexts influence and are influenced by one another in youth sport will be best positioned to impact theory and practice in meaningful ways.

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.

Developmental trajectory and relationships between Adolescents' social capital, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms: A latent growth model

The aim of this study was to evaluate the longitudinal influence of social capital and self-esteem on depressive symptoms among adolescents. A multivariate latent growth model was used to test secondary data obtained from the Korea Youth Panel Survey. Social capital and self-esteem tended to increase over periods of four years, whereas depressive symptoms had a tendency to decrease in the same periods. In the case of indirect effects on depressive symptoms by way of self-esteem, significant indirect associations were identified. The results indicated that the intercept of social capital had a significant indirect effect and total effect on the intercept of depressive symptoms. In addition, the slope of social capital had a significant indirect effect and total effect on the slope of depressive symptom. The initial development of social capital and self-esteem is shown to be effective for reducing adolescents' depressive symptoms.

Sibling relationships of female adolescents with nonsuicidal self-injury disorder in comparison to a clinical and a nonclinical control group

BACKGROUND

Adolescents' nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) leads to distress that affects the whole family system, and siblings are reported to suffer from disrupted family communication and functioning. So far, no studies have examined the quality of relationships between adolescents with NSSI and their siblings. The aim of the present study was to examine the sibling relationship quality of adolescents with NSSI, adolescents with other mental disorders without NSSI (clinical controls, CC), and adolescents without current or past experience of mental disorders (nonclinical controls, NC).

METHODS

139 female adolescents aged 13-20 years (mean age = 16.18 years, SD = 1.62, NSSI: n = 56, CC: n = 33, NC: n = 50) and 73 siblings aged 10-28 years (mean age = 16.88 years, SD = 4.02, 60.3% female) participated. Self-report measures were used to assess psychopathology and sibling relationship quality.

RESULTS

Siblings reported a wide range of negative emotional and familial consequences, such as feeling left alone with their sister's issues or a distressing family situation, as a result of their sister's NSSI. Siblings of adolescents with NSSI experienced significantly more coercion in the relationship with their sister compared to CC (d = 1.08) and NC (d = 0.67) siblings, indicating an imbalance of dominance and control in their relationship. Further, adolescents with NSSI reported significantly less warmth and empathy in the sibling relationship and higher rivalry scores between their siblings and themselves than NC adolescents, suggesting higher levels of parental favoritism among parents of adolescents with NSSI compared to NC parents (d = 0.93). Among siblings of adolescents with NSSI, high levels of warmth, conflict, and empathy were significantly associated with internalizing problems. For adolescents with NSSI a significant association was found between internalizing problems and coercion and externalizing problems and similarity.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the negative impact of NSSI on siblings' emotional well-being and family life, efforts should be made to offer siblings psychoeducation and support to help them cope with the emotional and familial consequences of their sister's NSSI. Given adequate support, siblings can in turn be a source of emotional support for their sister.

Developmental Change in Sibling Support and School Commitment Across Adolescence

School commitment typically declines across adolescence, but the family-level factors that explain this decline have not been fully characterized. This study investigated sibling support as a family resource in predicting school commitment across 7th-10th grade using a sample of 444 adolescents (M_ages  = 12.61, 13.59, 14.59, 15.58 years). Results showed that sibling support linearly increased and school commitment decreased and stabilized, independently, over time. Sibling support positively predicted school commitment in seventh grade and across time, suggesting that having supportive siblings may help to offset adolescents' declines in school commitment. Furthermore, having a brother enhanced this association versus having a sister. These findings provide insight into ways to help youth maintain school commitment across the middle- to high school transition.

Neural correlates of sibling closeness and association with externalizing behavior in adolescence

Sibling relationships have been linked to adolescent externalizing behaviors, but the neurobiological factors that underlie this association have not been identified. This study investigated sibling closeness and birth order as a predictor of adolescent externalizing behavior via differences in neural processes during safe decision-making. A total of 77 adolescents (range = 12–15 years, M_age = 13.45 years, 40 females) completed a computerized driving task during a functional MRI scan. Results showed that adolescents’ perceptions of sibling closeness were associated with greater neural activation in the anterior insula, ventral striatum and left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex when making safe decisions, suggesting that the quality of sibling relationships modulates adolescent neurocognition even without being present. Furthermore, moderated mediation analyses revealed that higher sibling closeness was associated with lower externalizing behavior via left anterior insula activation during safe decision-making, but only for adolescents without older siblings (i.e. eldest children) compared to adolescents who had multiple older siblings. Importantly, these findings persisted above and beyond parental and peer closeness and sibling characteristics (i.e. sex, relatedness, birth order), highlighting the significant influence of sibling relationships on adolescent externalizing behavior through the brain.

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.

Evaluation of a multi-site program designed to strengthen relational bonds for siblings separated by foster care

Sibling relationships in foster care settings have received increased attention in recent years. Despite growing evidence regarding the protective potential of sibling relationships for youth in care, some sibling groups continue to experience foster care related separation, and few programs exist to address the needs of these youth. This study describes and evaluates Camp To Belong, a multi-site program designed to provide short-term reunification to separated sibling groups through a week-long summer camp experience. Using a pre-test post-test survey design, this paper examines changes in youth ratings of sibling conflict and sibling support across camps located in six geographically distinct regions of the United States. The effects of youth age, number of prior camp exposures, and camp location were tested using multilevel modeling procedures. Findings suggest that participation in Camp To Belong may reduce sibling conflict, and improvements in sibling support are noted for youth who have had prior exposure to the camp's programming. Camp-level variance in the sibling support outcome highlight the complex nature of relationships for siblings separated by foster care, and suggest the need for additional research. Lessons learned from this multi-site evaluation and future directions are discussed.

Sibling relationships as sources of risk and resilience in the development and maintenance of internalizing and externalizing problems during childhood and adolescence

Sibling relationships are a unique and powerful context for children's development, characterized by strong positive features, such as warmth and intimacy, as well as negative qualities like intense, potentially destructive conflict. For these reasons, sibling interactions may be both a risk and a protective factor for the development and maintenance of emotional and behavioral dysfunction. We review evidence indicating that sibling interactions are linked to internalizing and externalizing symptoms and identify possible mechanisms for these associations. Sibling conflict contributes uniquely to symptomatology and may be particularly problematic when accompanied by lack of warmth, which is generally associated with decreased internalizing and externalizing problems. On the other hand, greater warmth can be associated with heightened externalizing symptoms for later-born children who may model the behavior of older siblings. Although it will be important to monitor for increased sibling collusion, several intervention studies demonstrate that it is possible to reduce conflict and increase warmth between brothers and sisters, and that improving sibling interactions can teach children social-cognitive skills that are beneficial in other relationships (e.g., friendships). Developing brief assessment tools differentiating normative from pathogenic sibling conflict would assist clinical decision making. Future intervention work could provide a more stringent test of the hypothesis that strengthening sibling relationships improves children's socio-emotional adjustment.

Family Influence on Career Decision Making

This study examined the nomological network for the Family Influence Scale in the United States and India. Specifically, the study assessed the relationship between family influences on career decision making and the constructs of family obligation, work volition, calling, work values, and occupational engagement across two countries. A total of 136 U.S. participants and 377 participants from India responded to a survey via Amazon Mechanical Turk. The study found support for the construct validity and the four different types of family influences both between the United States and the Indian population. Family influence was correlated in expected ways with family obligation, work volition, work values, calling, and occupational engagement.

Aggression between siblings: Associations with the home environment and peer bullying

Sibling aggression is a common form of intra-familial aggression, yet has been largely neglected by research. Using an inclusive measure of sibling aggression, this study investigated, firstly, prevalence of sibling aggression and associations with family and household characteristics, and secondly, the relationship between sibling aggression and peer bullying. Participants were 4,237 adolescents from Wave 1 of Understanding Society. Four types of sibling aggression were measured: physical, verbal, stealing and teasing, and combined into composite measures of victimization and perpetration. Regression analysis identified associations with demographic characteristics, family and sibling composition, parent-child relationships and socioeconomic status and explored the link between sibling aggression and involvement in peer bullying. Using a broad definition, sibling aggression was found to be widespread, with 46% of all participants being victimized and 36% perpetrating aggression. Household and family characteristics, including a large family size, male siblings, and financial difficulties were associated with greater rates of sibling aggression. Parenting behavior showed the strongest relationship: harsh parenting increased the risk of sibling aggression while positive parenting protected against it. Sibling aggression was also homotypically related to involvement in peer bullying. Victimization by siblings significantly increased the odds of being a victim of peer bullying, and perpetrators of sibling aggression were more likely to be both peer bullies and bully-victims. Considering the adverse effects of sibling aggression on physical and mental health, the study provides pointers for efforts to reduce the risk of sibling aggression. Furthermore, the link with peer bullying suggests that school anti-bullying efforts should also take account of children's sibling relationships. Aggr. Behav. 41:14-24, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Family Relationships and Adolescents' Health Attitudes and Weight: The Understudied Role of Sibling Relationships

Family relationships are important predictors of adolescents' diet, physical activity, and health issues including obesity. Despite their prominence in the family, siblings have received little attention on how they may influence these health-related behaviors. Addressing this gap, the present study examined associations between sibling relationship qualities and adolescents' health attitudes, exercise behaviors, and weight controlling for other family relationship qualities. Participants included one parent and two adolescent siblings (ages 12 to 19) from 326 families. Multilevel models indicated that net of parent-adolescent relationship qualities and adolescents' personal characteristics, sibling intimacy was related to healthy attitudes and greater exercise behaviors, whereas sibling conflict was associated with increased risk of being overweight. Links between sibling conflict and weight status, however, were further qualified by gender composition of the sibling dyad. Results highlight the significance of sibling relationships in adolescents' everyday health attitudes and behaviors and implications for intervention efforts are discussed.

Perceived relationship quality in adolescents following early social-emotional deprivation

Children who spend their early life in social-emotionally depriving institutions have limited opportunities to engage in relationships. This early experience has been associated with many problematic behavioral outcomes; however, researchers have not frequently examined relationship quality of post-institutional adoptees, nor have they examined aspects of the adoptive family that might moderate institutionalization effects. The purpose of this study was to examine the self-reported relationship quality of 10-17-year-old children adopted into the USA from Russian institutions and to determine whether sibling characteristics (relative age, gender composition, sibling adoption status) moderate institutionalization effects. Older age at adoption was related to poorer friendship and sibling, but not mother, relationship quality. Older siblings and same-sex siblings buffered children from this negative age-at-adoption association.

Reliability and validity of the korean version of the lifespan sibling relationship scale

The sibling relationship and its potential impact on neurodevelopment and mental health are important areas of neuroscientific research. Validation of the tools assessing the quality of the sibling relationship would be the first essential step for conducting neurobiological and psychosocial studies related to the sibling relationship. However, to the best of our knowledge, no sibling relationship assessment tools have been empirically validated in Korean. We aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the Lifespan Sibling Relationship Scale (LSRS), which is one of the most commonly used self-report questionnaires to assess the quality of the sibling relationship. A total of 109 adults completed a series of self-report questionnaires including the LSRS, the mental health subscale of the Medical Outcomes Study-Short Form 36 version 2 (SF36v2), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SLS), and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (MC-SDS). The internal consistency, subscale intercorrelations, one-week test-retest reliability, convergent validity, divergent validity, and the construct validity were assessed. All six subscale scores and the total score of the LSRS demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.85-0.94) and good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.77-0.92). Correlations of the LSRS with the SF36v2 mental health score (r=0.32, p=0.01) and with the SLS (r=0.27, p=0.04) supported the good convergent validity. The divergent validity was shown by the non-significant correlation of the LSRS with the MC-SDS (r=0.15, p=0.26). Two factors were extracted through factor analysis, which explained 78.63% of the total variance. The three Adult subscales loaded on the first factor and the three Child subscales loaded on the second factor. Results suggest that the Korean version of the LSRS is a reliable and valid tool for examining the sibling relationship.

Siblings exposed to intimate partner violence: linking sibling relationship quality & child adjustment problems

Although the majority of families that experience intimate partner violence (IPV) have more than one child, most research to date has focused upon a single child within these families. A significant body of research has indicated siblings play an important role in children's adjustment and well-being. To address this gap, the three main goals of the present study were to compare the adjustment of older and younger siblings exposed to IPV, to describe and compare the quality of these sibling relationships from multiple perspectives, and to investigate how sibling adjustment and relationship quality influence children's adjustment. Forty-seven sibling pairs and their mothers were recruited from the community. Mothers self-reported on their violent experiences using the Conflict Tactics Scale, and also estimated the length of time their children were exposed to IPV. Mothers and children completed assessments of child adjustment and the quality of sibling relationships. Observers also assessed the quality of sibling interaction. Results indicated that adjustment between siblings was highly inter-related. On average, mothers reported sibling relationships as less positive but also as less hostile than did siblings themselves. Higher levels of sibling hostility, lower levels of sibling warmth and higher levels of disengagement each significantly predicted child adjustment; however, these effects were predicated upon the adjustment of the other sibling. The sibling relationships of children exposed to IPV made a difference in their individual adjustment, and their adjustment issues influenced how they feel about and interacted with their sibling. Sibling hostility played a stronger role in adjustment issues than sibling warmth. The nature of sibling influences and the direction of future research were discussed.

Childhood sibling and peer relationships of perpetrators of child sexual abuse

Maltreatment by parents inhibits a child's ability to form relationships with other children. Given that many sex offenders experienced parental abuse, investigation of their relationships with siblings and peers could provide new directions for early childhood interventions. Interview transcripts of 23 community-dwelling perpetrators of sexual abuse against children were examined in this secondary data analysis. Ages of participants ranged from 20s to 70s, and education ranged from GED to PhD. Phenomenological analysis revealed that neither sibling nor peer relationships adequately promoted participants' capacity for developing and maintaining healthy relationships in adulthood. Until societal preventive actions and early clinical interventions are more successful, the crime of child sexual abuse will continue to be far too common.

Differential associations between domains of sibling conflict and adolescent emotional adjustment

Issues of equality and fairness and invasion of the personal domain, 2 previously identified topic areas of adolescent sibling conflict (N. Campione-Barr & J. G. Smetana, 2010), were examined in 145 dyads (Mfirst-born = 14.97, SD = 1.69 years; Msecond-born = 12.20, SD = 1.90 years) for their differential effects on youths' emotional adjustment over 1 year. The impact of internalizing symptoms on later sibling conflicts also was tested. Invasion of the personal domain conflicts were associated with higher levels of anxiety and lower self-esteem 1 year later, whereas Equality and Fairness issues were associated with greater depressed mood. Conversely, greater internalizing symptomatology and lower self-esteem predicted more of both types of conflict. Moderating influences of gender and ordinal position were also examined.

Adolescência e jovem adultícia: crescimento pessoal, separação-individuação e o jogo das relações

O presente artigo procura problematizar a importância das dinâmicas relacionais no crescimento pessoal. Tendo como ponto de partida a teoria da apego, o desenvolvimento pessoal é pautado por processos de separação-individuação; são estes os processos que permitem a construção de um sentido de autonomia. Recentemente o conceito de "adultos emergentes" tem vindo a ganhar destaque, gerindo a discussão em torno dos factores internos e externos que eventualmente potenciam a entrada na adultícia. Pais, irmãos e pares assumem relevância neste processo, o que implica posteriormente um alargamento da rede social ao contexto de trabalho e às relações amorosas. As implicações desta transição serão discutidas à luz do processo de separação-individuação e dos factores moderadores do crescimento pessoal.

The third rail of family systems: sibling relationships, mental and behavioral health, and preventive intervention in childhood and adolescence

Sibling relationships are an important context for development, but are often ignored in research and preventive interventions with youth and families. In childhood and adolescence, siblings spend considerable time together, and siblings' characteristics and sibling dynamics substantially influence developmental trajectories and outcomes. This paper reviews research on sibling relationships in childhood and adolescence, focusing on sibling dynamics as part of the family system and sibling influences on adjustment problems, including internalizing and externalizing behaviors and substance use. We present a theoretical model that describes three key pathways of sibling influence: one that extends through siblings' experiences with peers and school, and two that operate largely through family relationships. We then describe the few existing preventive interventions that target sibling relationships and discuss the potential utility of integrating siblings into child and family programs.

Bidirectional associations between sibling relationships and parental support during adolescence

Sibling relationships and parental support are important for adolescents’ development and well-being, yet both are likely to change during adolescence. Since adolescents participate in both the sibling relationship and the parent–child relationship, we can expect sibling relationships and parental support to be associated with each other. Theoretically, it can be expected that there is either a spillover from one relationship to another (congruence hypothesis) or that one relationship can compensate for the other (compensation hypothesis). However, research examining these associations in adolescence is limited. The present study longitudinally investigated the bidirectional associations between sibling relationships and parental support during adolescence. For five consecutive years, data were collected using self-reports of 428 families, consisting of a father, a mother, and two adolescent siblings. The mean ages of the first-born (52.8% males) and second-born (47.7% males) were 15 and 13 years at T1, respectively. For the second-born siblings, prospective associations were found between sibling relationships and adolescent-reported parental support in early adolescence, with no differences between same-sex and mixed-sex dyads. These associations were not found for first-born siblings or for parents’ reports of support. The findings suggest a spillover from the sibling relationship to adolescent-reported parental support only in early adolescence. Findings and implications are discussed in terms of the congruence/spillover and the compensation hypothesis.

Family relationships and the psychosocial adjustment of school-aged children in intact families

The authors investigated whether the quality of three family relationships (i.e., marital, parent-child, sibling) in intact families are associated with each other and with children's psychosocial adjustment. Data were collected by means of maternal and child reports (N = 88) using standardized instruments (i.e., Marital Satisfaction Scale, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire). The findings confirm associations between the marital and the parent-child relationship, and between the parent-child and the sibling relationship, Further, both father-child relationships and sibling relationships predict children's adjustment. Father-child conflicts contribute to children's problem behavior, while father-child acceptance and sibling affection contribute significantly to children's general self-esteem. However, contrary to previous studies no support was found for the association between marital relationship and sibling relationship, or for that between marital relationship quality and children's adjustment.

Sibling relationship quality and social functioning of children and adolescents with intellectual disability

We examined sibling relationships for children and adolescents with intellectual disability and assessed implications for their social functioning. Targets (total N = 212) had either intellectual disability, a chronic illness/physical disability, or no disability. Nontarget siblings reported on relationship quality, sibling interactions were observed, and teachers reported on social adjustment. Group comparisons highlighted the asymmetrical hierarchy and low conflict unique to siblings and targets with intellectual disability. Sibling relationships characterized by high warmth/closeness, positive affect, and few negative behaviors were predictive of fewer behavior problems for the targets at school. Both high warmth/ closeness and high conflict predicted greater social competence for the targets with intellectual disability, though warmth, conflict, and sibling management had different implications depending on the sibling's gender.

Perceived sibling relationships of sexual minority youth

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships of sexual minority youth and their siblings. The participants were 56 lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender individuals ranging in age from 18 to 24 years, who reported information about a total of 107 siblings. Respondents completed a demographic data questionnaire as well as adapted versions of the Sibling Closeness Scale (SCS) and the Sibling Approval of Sexual Behavior Scale (SASBS) to describe their relationship with each of their siblings. Analyses examined birth order and gender in relation to outness to siblings as well as sibling closeness and approval. Results provide information about disclosure of LGBT status to siblings, elements of closeness and acceptance in sibling relationships of sexual minority youth, and the significance of gender and birth order in these sibling relationships.

Links between older and younger adolescent siblings' adjustment: The moderating role of shared activities

Siblings' constructive and unstructured shared activities were examined as moderators of the links between first- and second-born siblings' adjustment across a two-year period in adolescence. Siblings ( N = 189 dyads) reported on their depression, peer competency, self worth during home interviews, and their time together in constructive (e.g., sports, hobbies) and unstructured (e.g., hanging out) activities during seven nightly phone interviews. Siblings spent an average of 10 hours together across seven days, about 12% in constructive and 25% in unstructured activities. Regression analyses revealed that, controlling for adjustment at Time 1, associations between siblings' adjustment scores were moderated by siblings' constructive and unstructured shared time. These patterns were most evident in mixed-sex dyads.

Similarities and bi-directional influences regarding alcohol consumption in adolescent sibling pairs

Ample studies have established that parents as well as peers function as role models in the development of adolescents' alcohol use. The role of siblings, however, has been largely neglected despite the long-term nature of a sibling relationship. The present study examined the impact of siblings on drinking behavior of adolescents using longitudinal data from 416 sibling dyads. Moreover, we explored which factors (gender constellation of the sibling dyad, quality of the sibling relationship, and similarity in norms about alcohol) affect reciprocal influences in alcohol use of siblings. Descriptive analyses showed that although older siblings drink more frequently and intensively than the younger siblings, moderate associations were found between frequency and intensity of drinking in siblings. Findings of structural equation modeling demonstrated that alcohol use of the older sibling marginally affected drinking of the younger sibling one year later. Drinking of the younger sibling did not affect drinking of the older sibling. Further, we found no moderating effects of having the same or opposite gender as a sibling, a low or high quality relationship, and the same or different norms about alcohol, on the association between siblings' alcohol use and adolescents' drinking over time.

Differential parenting and sibling jealousy: Developmental correlates of young adults' romantic relationships

Data from a survey of 200 young adults assessed whether the early nonshared environment, specifically parental differential treatment, was associated with romantic relationship distress through its effects on sibling jealousy, attachment styles, and self-esteem. Individuals who received equal affection from their parents in comparison to their sibling reported equal jealousy between themselves and their sibling, had higher self-esteem, more secure attachment styles, and less romantic relationship distress. Receiving differential parental affection, regardless of whether the participant or their sibling was favored, was associated with more negative models of self and others, which in turn were associated with greater romantic relationship distress. Results indicate that early within-family experiences may be particularly relevant for later healthy romantic relationship functioning.

Change in maternal perception of sibling negativity: within- and between-family influences

Change in maternal report of sibling negativity was investigated in 313 sibling dyads from 171 families taking part in a longitudinal, general population survey in the United Kingdom. The inclusion of multiple dyads per family allowed for the emergence of 3 novel elements for sibling research: an examination of within-family similarity on sibling relationship quality, modeling within-family similarity as a function of the shared environment and the differentiation of family-wide and dyad-specific predictors. Moderate similarity on sibling negativity was found across different sibling dyads and similarity was higher in 2 versus lone-parent families. Maternal negativity, genetic relatedness, age of the oldest child in the dyad, and the interaction between lone-parent status and maternal differential treatment were found to predict change in sibling negativity.