Perceptions Of Sibling Relationships Research Articles

Breastfeeding and the quality of the sibling relationship

ObjectiveTo examine the association between the type of breastfeeding practiced and the quality of the sibling relationship. DesignCross-sectional study. MethodParticipants were recruited between July and December 2019 through parenting associations and parenting support groups. They comprised a total of 149 mothers with two children between 2 and 7 years of age, who had practiced the same type of feeding with both children. Sibling relationship quality was assessed using the conflict/rivalry and warmth dimensions of the Parents' Expectations and Perceptions of Sibling Relationships with their Children (PEPC-SRQ) questionnaire. Analyses of covariance were used to identify any differences in these two dimensions of the PEPC-SRQ between the study groups (formula feeding, breastfeeding, non-prolonged breastfeeding, prolonged breastfeeding and tandem breastfeeding). ResultsNo significant differences were observed between any of the groups regarding the conflict/rivalry dimension; in contrast, significant differences were found in the warmth dimension between the breastfeeding and formula feeding groups. ConclusionsBreastfeeding, regardless of its duration and simultaneity, was associated with higher scores in the dimension of warmth of the sibling relationship. Implications for practiceThis information should be considered by healthcare professionals when providing advice on breastfeeding.

Adult Sibling Relationships: Perspectives of Service Users with Mental Health Difficulties

Little is known about the perceptions of sibling relationships from the direct perspective of service users with mental health difficulties; this study aimed to address this gap. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with adult male inpatients who had severe and enduring mental health difficulties. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyse the data and revealed three main themes: (1) The closeness of the sibling bond; (2) The change in sibling dynamics following diagnosis and admission; (3) Siblings’ contribution to mental health and recovery. The implications of involving siblings in care and the benefits of service user led research are discussed.

"Can't live with or without them:" Transitions and young adults' perceptions of sibling relationships.

Extant research documents how siblings' relationships develop from childhood through adolescence; yet, we know little about how sibling relationships change in young adulthood. Rooted in life course theory, this 2-wave longitudinal study investigated changes in sibling closeness and conflict, and the roles of life transitions and sibling similarity in life stage. Participants included 273 young adults from 180 families who reported on 340 sibling relationships (Time 1 M age = 24.45, SD = 5.33; Time 2 M age = 30.23, SD = 5.33). Multilevel repeated measures analysis of covariance indicated that, on average, siblings' perceptions of conflict declined over the course of young adulthood. Additionally, patterns of change in closeness and conflict were linked to life transitions surrounding coresidence, parenthood, and similarity in employment. The discussion addresses findings in regard to life course theory and similarity in life transitions. (PsycINFO Database Record

Quality of Sibling Relationships in Maltreated Youth Residing in Out-of-Home-Care.

When children are removed from their parents's custody because of substantiated maltreatment and placed in out-of-home placements, they may be placed separately from siblings, potentially leading to even higher levels of stress in children. This possibility emerges insofar as siblings serve as a source of support during the uncertain times that accompany maltreatment and subsequent removal. We explored these issues in the present study, focusing on whether sibling relationship quality was related to post-removal behavioral functioning in maltreated children and adolescents. A total of 102 six- to seventeen-year-olds residing in a residential facility completed questionnaires about their sibling relationship quality and behavioral functioning. With age, sibling relationships became more hostile; although in girls, sibling affection also increased with age, at least when their sibling was a girl. Sibling hostility was related to increases in aggression and behavioral problems. Surprisingly, greater sibling affection was associated with increased problems, particularly when children had little contact with their sibling. Results provide insight into perceptions of sibling relationships in maltreated children and have implications for placement decisions.

Sibling Relationships of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Context of Everyday Life and a Strength-Based Program

This research examined mothers’ and sisters’ perceptions of sibling relationships in families with a brother with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the context of a strengths-based, family-focused 3D technology program designed for youth on the spectrum. Seven sisters and six mothers participated in semi-structured interviews, which were coded for emergent themes. Both similarities and differences between sisters’ and mothers’ perceptions of the sibling relationship emerged from the narratives. Sisters and mothers framed the sibling relationship differently within the context of everyday life activities compared to the context of their brother’s involvement in the technology program that highlighted his skills and abilities. Within the context of everyday life, sisters described the dual nature of their relationships, involving both positive and negative qualities, whereas mothers focused on the challenges in the sibling relationship. Both mothers and sisters identified the “sister” role in the sibling relationship as that of a nurturer. Within the context of the technology program, mothers and sisters both perceived the boys’ roles as shifting positively relative to the context of everyday life. Sisters spoke of a sense of pride in their brother’s accomplishments in 3D design, whereas mothers spoke about their children being more engaged with one another because of their shared interests in the program. We discuss implications for interventions with families with a child with ASD.

Parenting Styles of Mothers With Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Children and Hearing Siblings

The present study aims to determine whether rearing a deaf or hard-of-hearing (d/hh) child would differentiate the parenting and disciplinary preference of parents between the d/hh and the hearing child. The parenting styles of 30 hearing mothers from Cyprus were assessed using the Greek version of the Parenting Styles & Dimensions Questionnaire. Additionally, mothers rated sibling interactions using the sibling inventory of behavior. The results indicated that the dominant parenting style for both the hearing and the d/hh children among the participating mothers was the authoritative type and the least prevalent parental types were the permissive and the strict. Moreover, mothers' perceptions of sibling relationship were found to be a significant factor in predicting mothers' reported parenting styles in this sample. The contribution of the present findings to our knowledge of the parenting characteristics and practices of families who have a d/hh child along with their possible implications for child and family services are discussed.

Social Perceptions of Siblings’ Sexual Composition: Evidence from Portuguese Youth

This paper explores sibling relationships among Portuguese youth, focusing on the importance of gender and sibling sexual composition in three specific analytical domains: (a) the social meanings and perceptions of sibling relationships and their impact on daily life practices; (b) parents’ differential treatment of sons and daughters and its implication for the well-being of brothers and sisters within the sibling group, and; (c) the gender determinants of care-giving for elderly parents. The study is based on focus groups and semi-structured interviews involving 47 Portuguese men and women, with an average age of 24 years. The results show that gender relations and the sexual composition of siblings have a significant impact on sibling relationships. Same-sex siblings are perceived as having more harmonious and cooperative relationships than mixed-sex siblings, regardless of age and birth order. Parents’ differential treatment of sons and daughters, whether it reproduces or deconstructs traditional gender roles, influences the well-being of youths and affects the way brothers and sisters envisage how care-giving tasks for elderly parents will be shared. Most youths envisage an egalitarian distribution of care-giving, although sisters are still regarded as the main care providers.

Young Persons' Perspectives on the Influence of Family Transitions on Sibling Relationships

This exploratory study examines young persons' perceptions of sibling relationships in the context of parental divorce experienced during childhood. Thirty undergraduate participants (17-24 years) were interviewed individually (Adult & Divorce Sibling Relationship Interview) to describe sibling relationships now, before, during, and after parental separation. A grounded theory analysis revealed seven qualitative themes. A subsequent content analysis examined the frequencies of these psychosocial themes in interview protocols together with participant characteristics (gender, age now and at time of parents' separation, sibling dyad, custody arrangement). Consistent with behaviourally-oriented quantitative results, some participants reported increased sibling conflict post-separation, but this was typically considered short-lived and tied to more permanent feelings of sibling closeness following from experiencing their parents' divorces together.

Perceptions of Sibling Relationships during Middle Childhood and Adolescence

Perceptions of Sibling Relationships during Middle Childhood and Adolescence

Perceptions of Sibling Relationships during Middle Childhood and Adolescence

Children in grades 3, 6, 9, and 12 were administered the Sibling Relationship Questionnaire. Relationships were rated as progressively more egalitarian across the 4 grade groups, with adolescents reporting less dominance and nurturance by their older siblings than younger participants. Adolescents also reported less companionship, intimacy, and affection with siblings than younger participants reported. Levels of perceived conflict with younger siblings were moderately high across all 4 grades, whereas ratings of conflict with older siblings were progressively lower across the 4 grades. The findings suggested that sibling relationships: (a) become more egalitarian and less asymmetrical with age, (b) become less intense with age, and (c) encompass experiences that are partially determined by the child's standing in the family constellation.