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Schweitzer S, Sonnentag TL. Role of the Sibling Relationship to Reduce the Negative Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on Wellbeing in Adulthood. J Genet Psychol 2024; 185:256-271. [PMID: 38059321 DOI: 10.1080/00221325.2023.2284900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, public health research has demonstrated that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are associated with significant and prolonged physical and mental health problems, demanding investigation into the factors that may mitigate the poor outcomes. One potential factor that may attenuate the negative impact of ACEs on individuals' health is social support. An important source of social support, both during and after adverse childhood experiences, is sibling relationships. Consequently, the purpose of the current study was to examine if two components of sibling relationships-perceived warmth and conflict-affect the relationship between ACEs and wellbeing in adulthood. A total of 439 participants (Mage = 35.06, SD = 11.19) completed self-report measures of their ACEs, their perceived warmth and conflict with a living sibling, and their wellbeing. Results revealed that sibling relationships characterized by higher perceived warmth-and, interestingly, higher perceived conflict-attenuated the negative impact of ACEs on wellbeing in adulthood. Findings from the current study provide valuable information about how psychologist, social workers, and other health professionals may use siblings as a source of social support to mitigate the negative effects of ACEs on wellbeing in adulthood.
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Qu G, Cao X, Ran G, Wu J, Luo H. Direct and Indirect Paths between Parental Marital Conflict and Children's Sibling Conflict in Chinese Families. J Genet Psychol 2022:1-13. [PMID: 36571505 DOI: 10.1080/00221325.2022.2161344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Links between parental marital conflict and children's sibling conflict have been well examined; however, the underlying mechanism of this link needs to be further studied. This study investigated the mediating role of parental intervention styles (i.e. child-centered strategies, control strategies, and nonintervention strategies) and children's control behavior toward their sibling between parental marital conflict and children's sibling conflict. We recruited 689 Chinese children (53.7% girls) aged 8-13 years to participate in the study. Results indicated that parental marital conflict, control strategies, nonintervention strategies, and children's control behavior toward sibling were positively associated with sibling conflict among children. Child-centered strategies were negatively correlated with children's sibling conflict. Furthermore, control and nonintervention strategies of parents and control behavior of children toward sibling simultaneously partially mediated between parental marital and child-sibling conflict. The mediating role of child-centered strategies was not significant. These findings suggest that parental strategies of control and nonintervention and children's control behavior toward their sibling may increase the risk of sibling conflict among children after repeated exposure to parental marital conflict. In contrast, child-centered strategies may be a protective factor for children regarding sibling conflict. Current findings confirm the combined effects of parent and child behavior on child-sibling conflict. They also help parents deal with sibling conflict among their children and promote more positive relationships among siblings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoliang Qu
- School of Education, China West Normal University, Nanchong, China.,School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaojun Cao
- School of Education, China West Normal University, Nanchong, China
| | - Guangming Ran
- School of Education, China West Normal University, Nanchong, China
| | - Jihui Wu
- School of Education, China West Normal University, Nanchong, China
| | - Haowen Luo
- College of Preschool and Primary Education, China West Normal University, Nanchong, China
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van der Kaap-Deeder J. The role of parents' autonomy support and psychological control in sibling relationship functioning through children's need-based experiences. BRITISH JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 39:653-668. [PMID: 34363419 DOI: 10.1111/bjdp.12392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine whether parents' autonomy support and psychological control during sibling conflict would relate to children's need-based experiences and relationship functioning within the sibling relationship. Two siblings (Mage = 8.61 years, SD = 0.91 and Mage = 10.50 years, SD = 0.94) of 205 families filled out questionnaires. Results showed that parental autonomy support related positively to siblings' relationship satisfaction via children's need satisfaction. Additionally, fathers' psychological control related negatively to provided autonomy support and positively to provided psychological control from one sibling to the other (as reported by the other sibling) and negatively to satisfaction with this relationship via need frustration. These findings highlight the importance of the quality of parents' involvement during sibling conflict.
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Persram R, Scirocco A, Della Porta S, Howe N. Moving Beyond the Dyad: Broadening Our Understanding of Family Conflict. Hum Dev 2019. [DOI: 10.1159/000501880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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5
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Chen BB. Chinese Adolescents' Sibling Conflicts: Links With Maternal Involvement in Sibling Relationships and Coparenting. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2019; 29:752-762. [PMID: 29911742 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study explored how maternal involvement in sibling relationships and coparenting behaviors were associated with adolescents' sibling conflicts. Adolescents (Mage = 12.25 years; 47.8% boys) and their mothers from 542 families in China participated in this research. Mothers completed questionnaires that assessed their strategies of involvement in sibling relationships, as well as their perceptions of the quality of their coparenting behaviors. Furthermore, adolescents completed questionnaires that assessed sibling conflicts. Results revealed that the mother's positive guidance was negatively related and their authoritarian control was positively related to sibling conflict. A significant interaction was also found between positive maternal guidance in sibling relationships and undermining coparenting behaviors. These findings underscore the unique and interactive effects of mothers' direct involvement in sibling relationships and coparenting behaviors in adolescents' sibling conflicts.
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Macdonald G, Livingstone N, Hanratty J, McCartan C, Cotmore R, Cary M, Glaser D, Byford S, Welton NJ, Bosqui T, Bowes L, Audrey S, Mezey G, Fisher HL, Riches W, Churchill R. The effectiveness, acceptability and cost-effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for maltreated children and adolescents: an evidence synthesis. Health Technol Assess 2018; 20:1-508. [PMID: 27678342 DOI: 10.3310/hta20690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child maltreatment is a substantial social problem that affects large numbers of children and young people in the UK, resulting in a range of significant short- and long-term psychosocial problems. OBJECTIVES To synthesise evidence of the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and acceptability of interventions addressing the adverse consequences of child maltreatment. STUDY DESIGN For effectiveness, we included any controlled study. Other study designs were considered for economic decision modelling. For acceptability, we included any study that asked participants for their views. PARTICIPANTS Children and young people up to 24 years 11 months, who had experienced maltreatment before the age of 17 years 11 months. INTERVENTIONS Any psychosocial intervention provided in any setting aiming to address the consequences of maltreatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Psychological distress [particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety, and self-harm], behaviour, social functioning, quality of life and acceptability. METHODS Young Persons and Professional Advisory Groups guided the project, which was conducted in accordance with Cochrane Collaboration and NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination guidance. Departures from the published protocol were recorded and explained. Meta-analyses and cost-effectiveness analyses of available data were undertaken where possible. RESULTS We identified 198 effectiveness studies (including 62 randomised trials); six economic evaluations (five using trial data and one decision-analytic model); and 73 studies investigating treatment acceptability. Pooled data on cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for sexual abuse suggested post-treatment reductions in PTSD [standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.44 (95% CI -4.43 to -1.53)], depression [mean difference -2.83 (95% CI -4.53 to -1.13)] and anxiety [SMD -0.23 (95% CI -0.03 to -0.42)]. No differences were observed for post-treatment sexualised behaviour, externalising behaviour, behaviour management skills of parents, or parental support to the child. Findings from attachment-focused interventions suggested improvements in secure attachment [odds ratio 0.14 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.70)] and reductions in disorganised behaviour [SMD 0.23 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.42)], but no differences in avoidant attachment or externalising behaviour. Few studies addressed the role of caregivers, or the impact of the therapist-child relationship. Economic evaluations suffered methodological limitations and provided conflicting results. As a result, decision-analytic modelling was not possible, but cost-effectiveness analysis using effectiveness data from meta-analyses was undertaken for the most promising intervention: CBT for sexual abuse. Analyses of the cost-effectiveness of CBT were limited by the lack of cost data beyond the cost of CBT itself. CONCLUSIONS It is not possible to draw firm conclusions about which interventions are effective for children with different maltreatment profiles, which are of no benefit or are harmful, and which factors encourage people to seek therapy, accept the offer of therapy and actively engage with therapy. Little is known about the cost-effectiveness of alternative interventions. LIMITATIONS Studies were largely conducted outside the UK. The heterogeneity of outcomes and measures seriously impacted on the ability to conduct meta-analyses. FUTURE WORK Studies are needed that assess the effectiveness of interventions within a UK context, which address the wider effects of maltreatment, as well as specific clinical outcomes. STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42013003889. FUNDING The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldine Macdonald
- Institute of Child Care Research, School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.,School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Nuala Livingstone
- Institute of Child Care Research, School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Jennifer Hanratty
- Institute of Child Care Research, School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Claire McCartan
- Institute of Child Care Research, School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Richard Cotmore
- Evaluation Department, National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), London, UK
| | - Maria Cary
- King's Health Economics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Danya Glaser
- University College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children, London, UK
| | - Sarah Byford
- King's Health Economics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Nicky J Welton
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Tania Bosqui
- Institute of Child Care Research, School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Lucy Bowes
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Suzanne Audrey
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Gill Mezey
- Population Health Sciences and Education, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Helen L Fisher
- King's Health Economics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Wendy Riches
- Riches and Ullman Limited Liability Partnership, London, UK
| | - Rachel Churchill
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Dickes A, Kemmis-Riggs J, McAloon J. Methodological Challenges to the Evaluation of Interventions for Foster/Kinship Carers and Children: A Systematic Review. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2017; 21:109-145. [DOI: 10.1007/s10567-017-0248-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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8
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Persram RJ, Howe N, Leach J. Family members' strategies as allies during naturalistic polyadic family conflicts. INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/icd.2068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J. Persram
- Department of Education; Concordia University; Montreal Quebec Canada
| | - Nina Howe
- Department of Education; Concordia University; Montreal Quebec Canada
| | - Jamie Leach
- Department of Education; Concordia University; Montreal Quebec Canada
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Tucker CJ, Finkelhor D. The State of Interventions for Sibling Conflict and Aggression: A Systematic Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2017; 18:396-406. [PMID: 26681173 DOI: 10.1177/1524838015622438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Sibling conflict and aggression is often a pervasive part of family life that parents want help managing and can have negative effects on children's well-being. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate current research regarding programs to reduce sibling conflict and aggression and promote positive sibling relationships. Online databases, reference lists, and Google Scholar were searched using key words and inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied. The search located five unique studies of programs focused on school-aged children. Heterogeneity of the studies precluded meta-analysis, but characteristics of the studies were systematically described. Three interventions were aimed at directly improving children's social skills and two interventions trained parents on mediation techniques to use during sibling conflicts. Overall, of the four studies that included assessment of children's social skills, the results were positive. Two of the three studies that evaluated sibling relationship quality demonstrated improved sibling interactions compared with the control group. With further research and evidentiary support, these programs have promise to modify sibling behaviors as part of current parenting education programs or as a stand-alone program to address sibling conflict and aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Jenkins Tucker
- 1 Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
| | - David Finkelhor
- 2 Family Research Laboratory, Crimes Against Children Research Center, Department of Sociology, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
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10
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Recchia HE, Witwit MA. Family Perspectives on Siblings' Conflict Goals in Middle Childhood: Links to Hierarchical and Affective Features of Sibling Relationships. New Dir Child Adolesc Dev 2017; 2017:33-48. [PMID: 28581190 DOI: 10.1002/cad.20198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This study examined parents' and children's descriptions of older and younger siblings' conflict goals in the late preschool and middle childhood years, and how these attributions were related to sibling relationship quality. Parents and 4- to 10-year-old children from 62 families were interviewed separately about siblings' motivations in two disputes and completed assessments of sibling relationship quality. Goal attributions varied across respondents in ways reflecting their family roles and positioning within disputes. Findings also revealed variations in the goals ascribed to older and younger siblings in line with hierarchical features of sibling relationships, such as younger siblings' conciliation/connectedness motives and older siblings' desires for autonomy/respect. Goal attributions were related to differences between families in the affective tenor of sibling relationships. Results demonstrate how power dynamics in sibling relationships play out in their everyday disputes, and underscore the importance of considering different family members' unique perspectives on children's sibling conflict experiences.
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11
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Persram RJ, Howe N, Della Porta S, Ross HS. Family members' helping behavior: Alliance formations during naturalistic polyadic conflicts. INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/icd.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J. Persram
- Department of Education; Concordia University; Montreal Quebec Canada
| | - Nina Howe
- Department of Education; Concordia University; Montreal Quebec Canada
| | | | - Hildy S. Ross
- Department of Psychology; University of Waterloo; Waterloo Ontario Canada
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12
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Reducing sibling conflict in maltreated children placed in foster homes. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2016; 16:211-21. [PMID: 24585072 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-014-0476-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Sibling aggression among maltreated children placed in foster homes is linked to other externalizing problems and placement disruption. The reduction of sibling conflict and aggression may be achieved via a multicomponent ecologically focused intervention for families in the foster care system. The focus of the study is to evaluate the feasibility and short-term effectiveness of a transtheoretical intervention model targeting sibling pairs and their foster parent that integrates family systems, social learning theory, and a conflict mediation perspective. In this pilot study, sibling pairs (N = 22) and their foster parent were randomized into a three-component intervention (n = 13) or a comparison (n = 9) group. Promoting Sibling Bonds (PSB) is an 8-week prevention intervention targeting maltreated sibling pairs ages 5-11 years placed together in a foster home. The siblings, parent, and joint components were delivered in a program package at the foster agency by a trained two-clinician team. Average attendance across program components was 73 %. Outcomes in four areas were gathered at pre- and postintervention: observed sibling interaction quality (positive and negative) including conflict during play, and foster parent reports of mediation strategies and sibling aggression in the foster home. At postintervention, adjusting for baseline scores and child age, intervention pairs showed higher positive (p < 0.001) and negative (p < 0.05) interaction quality and lower sibling conflict during play (p < 0.01) than comparison pairs. Foster parents in the intervention group reported a higher number of conflict mediation strategies than those in the comparison group (p < 0.001). Foster parents in the intervention group reported lower sibling physical aggression from the older toward the younger child than those in the comparison group (p < 0.05). Data suggest that the PSB intervention is a promising approach to reduce conflict and promote parental mediation, which together may reduce sibling aggression in the foster home.
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Wolke D, Tippett N, Dantchev S. Bullying in the family: sibling bullying. Lancet Psychiatry 2015; 2:917-29. [PMID: 26462226 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(15)00262-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Revised: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Sibling relationships have a substantial and lasting effect on children's development. Many siblings experience some occasional conflict, however, up to 40% are exposed to sibling bullying every week, a repeated and harmful form of intrafamilial aggression. We review evidence on the precursors, factors relating to peer bullying, and mental health consequences of sibling bullying. Parenting quality and behaviour are the intrafamilial factors most strongly associated with bullying between siblings. Sibling bullying increases the risk of being involved in peer bullying, and is independently associated with concurrent and early adult emotional problems, including distress, depression, and self-harm. The effects appear to be cumulative, with those children bullied by both siblings and peers having highly increased emotional problems compared with those bullied by siblings or peers only, probably because they have no safe place to escape from bullying. The link between sibling and peer bullying suggests interventions need to start at home. Health professionals should ask about sibling bullying and interventions are needed for families to prevent and reduce the health burden associated with sibling bullying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Wolke
- Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK; Division of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
| | - Neil Tippett
- Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Slava Dantchev
- Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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Dirks MA, Persram R, Recchia HE, Howe N. Sibling relationships as sources of risk and resilience in the development and maintenance of internalizing and externalizing problems during childhood and adolescence. Clin Psychol Rev 2015; 42:145-55. [PMID: 26254557 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie A Dirks
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, 1205 Dr. Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC H3A 1B1, Canada.
| | - Ryan Persram
- Department of Education, Concordia University, Room LB-579, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd W, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada.
| | - Holly E Recchia
- Department of Education, Concordia University, Room LB-579, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd W, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada.
| | - Nina Howe
- Department of Education, Concordia University, Room LB-579, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd W, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada.
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Perlman M, Lyons-Amos M, Leckie G, Steele F, Jenkins J. Capturing the temporal sequence of interaction in young siblings. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126353. [PMID: 25996957 PMCID: PMC4440720 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We explored whether young children exhibit subtypes of behavioral sequences during sibling interaction. Ten-minute, free-play observations of over 300 sibling dyads were coded for positivity, negativity and disengagement. The data were analyzed using growth mixture modeling (GMM). Younger (18-month-old) children's temporal behavioral sequences showed a harmonious (53%) and a casual (47%) class. Older (approximately four-year-old) children's behavior was more differentiated revealing a harmonious (25%), a deteriorating (31%), a recovery (22%) and a casual (22%) class. A more positive maternal affective climate was associated with more positive patterns. Siblings' sequential behavioral patterns tended to be complementary rather than reciprocal in nature. The study illustrates a novel use of GMM and makes a theoretical contribution by showing that young children exhibit distinct types of temporal behavioral sequences that are related to parenting processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Perlman
- Department of Human Development and Applied Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mark Lyons-Amos
- Centre for Multilevel Modeling, Graduate School of Education, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - George Leckie
- Centre for Multilevel Modeling, Graduate School of Education, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Steele
- Centre for Multilevel Modeling, Graduate School of Education, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Jenkins
- Department of Human Development and Applied Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Bullying in medically fragile youth: a review of risks, protective factors, and recommendations for medical providers. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2015; 36:285-301. [PMID: 25923529 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000000155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Bullying is a common child and adolescent phenomenon that has concurrent and long-term implications for victims' psychological, psychosomatic, social, and academic functioning. Youth with chronic illnesses are at increased risk for being bullied, but few studies have evaluated specific risk and protective factors for medically fragile youth. Despite recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Society for Adolescent Medicine that pediatric health care providers should contribute to bullying prevention and intervention efforts, researchers also have yet to identify the best ways for providers to intervene with medically fragile youth. In this article, the authors review risk and protective factors for bullying among healthy samples. Then, the authors specifically address the ways in which these risk and protective factors are likely to apply to children with fragile medical conditions, and they provide summaries of extant bullying research for selected examples of medically fragile pediatric populations. Finally, the authors present recommendations for intervening with medically fragile youth and suggest several areas in which additional research is needed.
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17
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McBeath B, Kothari BH, Blakeslee J, Lamson-Siu E, Bank L, Linares LO, Waid J, Sorenson P, Jimenez J, Pearson E, Shlonsky A. Intervening to Improve Outcomes for Siblings in Foster Care: Conceptual, Substantive, and Methodological Dimensions of a Prevention Science Framework. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2014; 39:1-10. [PMID: 24634558 PMCID: PMC3951129 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2013.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the child welfare field has devoted significant attention to siblings in foster care. Policymakers and practitioners have supported efforts to connect siblings via shared foster placements and visitation while researchers have focused on illuminating the empirical foundations of sibling placement and sibling intervention in child welfare. The current paper synthesizes literature on sibling relationship development and sibling issues in child welfare in the service of presenting a typology of sibling-focused interventions for use with foster youth. The paper provides two examples of current intervention research studies focused on enhancing sibling developmental processes and understanding their connection to child welfare outcomes. The paper concludes by presenting an emerging agenda informing policy, practice, and research on siblings in foster care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen McBeath
- Portland State University School of Social Work & Oregon Social Learning Center, PO Box 751, Portland, OR 97207
| | - Brianne H. Kothari
- Portland State University School of Social Work & Oregon Social Learning Center
| | | | | | - Lew Bank
- Portland State University School of Social Work & Oregon Social Learning Center
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Aron Shlonsky
- University of Toronto School of Social Work & University of Melbourne School of Health Sciences
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Tucker CJ, Finkelhor D, Turner H, Shattuck A. Association of sibling aggression with child and adolescent mental health. Pediatrics 2013; 132:79-84. [PMID: 23776124 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2012-3801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sibling aggression is common but often dismissed as benign. We examine whether being a victim of various forms of sibling aggression is associated with children's and adolescents' mental health distress. We also contrast the consequences of sibling versus peer aggression for children's and adolescents' mental health. METHODS We analyzed a national probability sample (n = 3599) that included telephone interviews about past year victimizations conducted with youth aged 10 to 17 or an adult caregiver concerning children aged 0 to 9. RESULTS Children ages 0 to 9 and youth ages 10 to 17 who experienced sibling aggression in the past year (ie, psychological, property, mild or severe physical assault), reported greater mental health distress. Children ages 0 to 9 showed greater mental health distress than did youth aged 10 to 17 in the case of mild physical assault, but they did not differ for the other types of sibling aggression. Comparison of sibling versus peer aggression generally showed that sibling and peer aggression independently and uniquely predicted worsened mental health. CONCLUSIONS The possible importance of sibling aggression for children's and adolescents' mental health should not be dismissed. The mobilization to prevent and stop peer victimization and bullying should expand to encompass sibling aggression as well.
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Shadik JA, Perkins NH, Kovacs PJ. Incorporating discussion of sibling violence in the curriculum of parent intervention programs for child abuse and neglect. HEALTH & SOCIAL WORK 2013; 38:53-57. [PMID: 23539896 DOI: 10.1093/hsw/hls066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Shadik
- School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284-2027, USA.
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Feinberg ME, Solmeyer AR, McHale SM. The third rail of family systems: sibling relationships, mental and behavioral health, and preventive intervention in childhood and adolescence. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2012; 15:43-57. [PMID: 22105663 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-011-0104-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Feinberg
- Prevention Research Center, Pennsylvania State University, Marion Suite 402, University Park, PA 16801, USA.
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Myers LJ, Liben LS. Graphic Symbols as “The Mind on Paper”: Links Between Children’s Interpretive Theory of Mind and Symbol Understanding. Child Dev 2011; 83:186-202. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8624.2011.01693.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Sapouna M, Wolke D, Vannini N, Watson S, Woods S, Schneider W, Enz S, Aylett R. Individual and social network predictors of the short-term stability of bullying victimization in the United Kingdom and Germany. BRITISH JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 2011; 82:225-40. [PMID: 22583088 DOI: 10.1111/j.2044-8279.2011.02022.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is still relatively little research on the social context within which bullying develops and remains stable. AIM This study examined the short-term stability of bullying victimization among primary school students in the United Kingdom and Germany (mean age, 8.9 years) and the individual and social network factors that contributed to remaining a victim of bullying. SAMPLE The sample consisted of 454 children (247 males and 207 females). METHODS Participants completed questionnaires on bullying victimization at three assessment points over a 9-week period. Other measures consisted of self-reported demographic, peer, and family relationship characteristics. Social network indices of density, reciprocity, and hierarchy were constructed using friendship and peer acceptance nominations. RESULTS Relative risk analyses indicated a six-fold increased risk of remaining a victim at consequent follow-ups, compared to a child not victimized at baseline becoming a victim over the follow-up period. Individual characteristics explained substantially more variance in the stability of bullying victimization than class-level factors. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses revealed that being victimized by siblings and being rejected by peers predicted remaining a victim over a 9-week period. CONCLUSIONS Bullying victimization among primary school students proved moderately stable over a 9-week period. Individual characteristics were more influential in predicting the stable victim role than class-level factors. Our findings have implications for the identification of stable victims in primary school and early preventative bullying programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sapouna
- Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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Kramer L. The Essential Ingredients of Successful Sibling Relationships: An Emerging Framework for Advancing Theory and Practice. CHILD DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVES 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-8606.2010.00122.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Recchia HE, Howe N. Associations between social understanding, sibling relationship quality, and siblings' conflict strategies and outcomes. Child Dev 2010; 80:1564-78. [PMID: 19765018 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8624.2009.01351.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sibling relationship quality and social understanding (second-order false belief, conflict interpretation, and narrative conflict perspective references) were examined as unique and interactive correlates of sibling conflict behavior in 62 dyads (older M age = 8.39 years and younger M age = 6.06 years). High-quality relationships were associated with positive conflict processes. Younger siblings' second-order false belief scores were negatively associated with constructive conflict strategies, and older siblings' narrative self-referential focus was negatively associated with compromise. Associations between younger children's social understanding (conflict interpretation and narrative perspective references) and siblings' dyadic conflict behavior were moderated by relationship quality. Results suggest that links between social understanding and conflict behavior should be considered in conjunction with the quality of children's relationships.
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Soli AR, McHale SM, Feinberg ME. Risk and Protective Effects of Sibling Relationships among African American Adolescents. FAMILY RELATIONS 2009; 58:578-592. [PMID: 21743763 PMCID: PMC3131003 DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-3729.2009.00576.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated associations between sibling relationships and adjustment among 179 African American adolescent siblings (controlling for family factors), and tested moderating effects of familism values and birth order. Two-level random intercept models revealed that familism values moderated sibling relationship-adjustment linkages, suggesting that youth who reported both strong familism values and harmonious sibling relationships showed the most positive outcomes. These effects were more consistent for older than for younger siblings. Findings highlight the role of cultural values and birth order in shaping sibling influence processes.
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Recchia HE, Howe N. When Do Siblings Compromise? Associations with Children's Descriptions of Conflict Issues, Culpability, and Emotions. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9507.2009.00567.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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