One of the most common parenting issues faced by families with multiple birth children is that of the dynamics involved in sibling cooperation and competition. This document compiles stories from the Mothers of Twins Club "Notebook" examining the issue of cooperation versus competition. The first story discusses the impact of the twin…

Examined the conversational patterns of older children with their younger siblings. Findings reveal that the siblings of disabled children appeared to be less conversationally sensitive with their brothers and sisters than the siblings of nondisabled children. (34 references) (Author/CK)

Examined attitudes of Scottish 9- to 12-year-olds toward their siblings. Found that siblings were perceived to be a significant source of support and help and were especially important for children with few other supportive relationships. Sibling caretaking was viewed positively by both parties. Siblings held special importance even if they did…

Investigated: (1) influence of maternal context on frequency and types of conflicts of sibling dyads in middle childhood, and (2) the stability of maternal and sibling interaction over 4 years. Found that maternal presence depressed conflict frequency and aggression. Earlier patterns of family interaction were related to later indices of sibling…

The feelings of non-disabled children toward their disabled siblings are explored. Children describe how they sometimes react negatively to situations involving their disabled siblings even though they understand that their reaction is not the best response. The parents' role in serving the needs of all their children is examined. (JDD)

Examined contemporaneous associations between child temperament and marital and family functioning in 2-child families. Mothers and fathers in 70 families completed measures of marital satisfaction, family climate, spousal conflict, depression, and ratings of older and younger sibling temperament. Found strong associations between active-emotional…

Examined sibling relationship in old age. Data from interviews with 30 older men and 30 older women with at least one living sibling revealed five types of relationships. Each type reflected discrete pattern of instrumental support, emotional support, and contact; and different degrees of closeness, envy, resentment, approval, and involvement with…

Used data from 60 adult sibling dyads to examine effect of life transitions on adult sibling tie. Found marriage associated with closer ties, improved relations, less closeness, and less frequent contact. Siblings who reported having children, getting divorced or becoming widowed, or the death or poor health of family member also reported becoming…

Calls occurrence of sibling incest underrecognized. Presents four cases of females who experienced sibling incest to illustrate problem areas, including issues of enforced secrecy, interpersonal power differentials, influences on sexual development, individual after effects, disturbances in family dynamics, and gender-based differences in…

Used typology of sibling relationships in old age to examine effects of race. Analysis of data from 89 White and 64 Black sibling dyads suggest race is related to distribution. Interaction between race, type, and dyadic gender composition was significant. Data suggest Blacks are represented more frequently in positive categories; Whites more…

In study of 100 adult child caregivers, 40 percent were experiencing conflict with another family member, usually sibling. Most conflict arose because relative failed to provide sufficient help. Caregivers experiencing family conflict had significantly higher perceived burden and poorer mental health than did caregivers without conflict.…

Assesses preschoolers' reactions to two suspenseful television scenes, one normal and one dream version. Finds viewing with an older sibling reduces preschoolers' ability to recognize the dream in the program. Finds that those who viewed with an older sibling liked the program more than those who watched alone. (NH)

Examined correspondence between parents' beliefs about effective sibling-conflict-management strategies and their responses to their children's spontaneous sibling conflicts. Found that use of a particular conflict-management strategy was based on parents' perception of its effectiveness and how well they could carry it out. Parents perceived…

Surveys reactions and preferences related to a support program for siblings (N=40) of children with disabilities. Results identified the benefits participants received from the program and the different components participants preferred, such as favored recreational activities. Suggests the clinical utility of the program for school personnel…

Attempts to integrate two disparate literatures on sibling conflict in childhood with potential benefits of conflictual sibling relations for adult well being. Presents descriptive data on benefits of children's sibling conflicts from interviews with middle-age and older adults. Recommends that future research on adult social relations consider…