Studied sibling-directed self-disclosure of 40 preadolescents through interviews, a questionnaire, and subjects' daily diaries. Found that warmth in sibling relationship was most strongly associated with sibling disclosure, but not with rivalry, conflict, or power. Daily sibling disclosures were more strongly associated with reports of unhappy…

This study examined use of functional assessment and individualized parent-implemented intervention plans among three families of children with autism in the home setting, including functional communication training with relevant ecological manipulations. Results showed large reductions in children's aggression toward siblings, increased parent…

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.,…

This study examined the role of family cultural values as moderators of the association between family relations and the adjustment of young children. Fifty-five families of Mexican descent with young children enrolled in Head Start programs in the Southwest participated. Mothers provided information about closeness of the mother-child…

The research discussed in this article focuses on the relationship between siblings in adulthood and the relationship's effects on the siblings themselves. The report begins with a substantial review of the literature on siblings in adulthood, focusing on the meaning of the sibling relationship, methodological problems in studying adult siblings,…

This book is a comprehensive month-by-month guide covering parents' questions about the first year with a new baby. It includes an illustrated baby care primer, a first-aid guide, and recipes. It also contains special sections on the older sibling, selecting the right physician, seasonal concerns and traveling with baby, managing childhood…

Many studies of family relationships in later adulthood fail to take into account earlier experiences. This study investigated predictors of family contact and closeness. Data were provided by 500 adult children (aged 22 to 72) and 190 adult siblings (aged 45 to 96) of elderly participants in the Seattle Longitudinal Study. Subjects rated the…

The experiences and thoughts of numerous parents who have raised severely handicapped children are shared in this pamphlet. The pamphlet describes the life changes brought about by the birth of a severely handicapped child; stages in the grief process; coping strategies; the impact on siblings; the reaction of family members and the importance of…

This paper describes stepfamily life; much of its content is derived from responses of 29 Australian couples who attended a six-session educational program on living in a stepfamily and who completed pre- and post-tests on marital adjustment and self-esteem plus a weekly problem rating scale. While the major part of the study was concerned with…

Children and adolescents have different understandings of death. For the baby, death is equated with separation. For toddlers, grief occurs when they realize the person is not returning. The preschool child who tends to live in the present with no clear concept of past or future will not understand the finality. Around ages 4 and 5, death is often…

This study examined the development of imitation under naturalistic conditions. Participating were 320 parents, who provided diary records of imitation by their 12-, 15-, and 18-month-old infants over a 7-day period. Approximately half of the infants were first-borns and half had older siblings. The findings indicated that infants of all ages…

Pairs of genetically unrelated children reared as same-age siblings offer a design for investigating genetic and environmental influences on behavior. Results with 21 pairs support an explanatory model of intelligence that includes genetic factors. Shared environment appeared to have a very small effect on intellectual development. (SLD)

The perceptions of 223 high school seniors were studied with regard to three sibling relationship characteristics: advice about life plans and personal problems; satisfaction with support; and sibling influence on interests and goals. Findings show that adolescents sometimes rely on their siblings for advice. (SLD)

Examined the hypothesis that male homosexuals have a greater than average proportion of male siblings and a later than average birth order, by comparing a group of prehomosexual boys (individuals exhibiting cross-gender behaviors) and homosexual adolescents with a control group. Both predicted results were confirmed. (MDM)

Examined how obligation, reciprocity, and quality of personal relationships affect whether siblings (n=108) provide social support to seriously mentally ill (n=85). Reciprocity was important predictor: more help respondent siblings received from ill siblings, more willingness to help they showed in return. Availability of parental and other…