Examined the relationship between sibling conflict and marital satisfaction, spousal conflict, family emotional climate, and family problem-solving processes that involve siblings. Results indicated that equal treatment by parents, family harmony in family discussions of sibling problems, and parent perceptions of family cohesiveness were…

This study, involving 40 young siblings of either handicapped or nonhandicapped children, found that siblings of handicapped children engaged in more parallel and social play and were more nurturing with their siblings than were control children. Mothers were more likely to deliver commands, directives, and reprimands to siblings of handicapped…

Examines gender differences in the nurturant interactions of an older child with an infant sibling and the maternal socialization of the older child's behavior. Finds that older girls interacted more with their infant siblings with virtually no evidence of maternal socialization of the gender difference. (FMW)

Examined associations between the activity level and adaptability of same-sex siblings and qualitative aspects of their relationship. Found high levels of conflict when both siblings were high in activity and the older sibling was rated more active than the younger. Conflict was lowest when siblings were low in activity. Warmth was greatest when…

Evaluates a new approach to improving sibling relationships in which social skills training was used to coach small groups of children (n=21) in prosocial sibling behaviors. Results show that children in the training group exhibited increased warmth, decreased rivalry, fewer problematic sibling behaviors, and a reduced status/power differential…

Examined association of three maternal regulating behaviors with children's positive and negative behaviors toward siblings in 40 Japanese families. Observed maternal regulating behaviors more frequently when younger sibling was still in early developmental stage. Older siblings' negative behaviors toward younger positively correlated with…

Reviews "It Isn't Fair! Siblings of Children with Disabilities" (Stanley D. Klein and Maxwell J. Schleifer, Editors). The book examines the attitudes of siblings and parents of disabled children, and discusses how parents' attitudes and actions determine whether the presence of such children in the family will be a positive or negative experience.…

As part of a longitudinal study of families with an adult son/daughter with mental retardation living in the home, 329 families were surveyed regarding the current involvement and future caregiving plans of adult siblings. Factors differentiating siblings intending to co-reside (36 percent) with the retarded sibling or intending to live apart (64…

Used quantitative genetic design to examine between- and within-family variations and gene-environment processes in parent-child mutuality among 3-year-old identical and same-sex fraternal twins. Found that greater mutuality was associated with higher socioeconomic status. Moderate sibling similarity in parent-child mutuality was accounted for by…

Addresses concerns raised in Neale's commentary regarding the Bussell et al. (1999) Nonshared Environment in Adolescent Development study. Discussion of assumptions focuses on those most relevant to study sample. Because Neale's proposed alternative models did not provide a better fit, the appropriateness of Bussell's model and importance of…

As part of a longitudinal study examining sibling and friend relationships in early and middle childhood, relational aggression by 4-year-olds and their interaction partners in semi-structured free play sessions with siblings and friends was examined during sibling sessions involving both same-gender and mixed-gender sibling pairs. Identifiable…

Background: Siblings may support each other, but also reveal fierce rivalry and mutual aggression. Supportive sibling relationships have been linked to the development of psychosocial competence of children. In the present longitudinal study, we will focus on the development of perceived support in sibling dyads and on the influence of sibling…

Seventy-six siblings (3-9 years) were individually interviewed concerning their recent conflicts. Analyses compared goals, requests, and voluntary actions attributed to self and other. Children were adept at describing both own and others' goals, requests, and actions, and these formed coherent hierarchies in which overarching explicit goals…

Historically, from a Freudian and medical model perspective, emotional disengagement from the deceased was seen as essential to the successful adaptation of bereavement. A major shift in the bereavement literature has occurred and it is now generally accepted that despite the permanence of physical separation, the bereaved remains involved and…

Raising a gifted child is both a joy and a challenge, yet parents of gifted children have few resources for reliable parenting information. The four authors, who have decades of professional experience with gifted children and their families, provide practical guidance in areas such as: Characteristics of gifted children; Peer relations; Sibling…