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ObjectivesThe presence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in one sibling can impact typically developing (TD) siblings’ adjustment and quality of the sibling relationship. The present study examined the impact of sibling characteristics on both the sibling relationship and adjustment in TD siblings using self, parent, and clinician reports.MethodsFifty-two TD siblings and parents completed questionnaires about TD sibling adjustment and sibling relationship quality.ResultsGreater behavior difficulties in siblings with ASD related to poorer TD sibling adjustment and quality of the sibling relationship. A more positive TD sibling perception of the sibling relationship was associated with greater TD sibling coping and support.ConclusionsFindings are discussed in terms of how these risk factors can inform interventions.

Typically developing siblings (TDS) of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently serve as caregivers during childhood, known as parentification, and primary caregivers for siblings in adulthood. In order to evaluate mechanisms linking these roles, we surveyed emerging-adult TDS (N = 108) about childhood parentification roles caring for parents and siblings, current perceptions of benefits associated with ASD and with engaging in parentification, and intention to provide future caregiving. We hypothesized that parent-focused parentification would negatively impact caregiving intention via perception of decreased benefits whereas sibling-focused parentification would positively impact intention via perception of increased benefits. Results indicate that parent-focused parentification is common and associated with fewer perceived benefits of caregiving and less intention to provide future caregiving. Prevention implications are discussed.

Objective To translate and culturally adapt the Parental Expectations and Perceptions of Children's Sibling Relationship Questionnaire (PEPC‐SRQ; Kramer & Baron, 1995) into Spanish and test its psychometric properties. Background Sibling relationships contribute significantly to child development; however, to date, no study has validated an instrument to assess the quality of children's sibling relationships with Spanish samples. Method We conducted two studies. In Study 1, the instrument underwent translation and back‐translation along with the inspection of semantic, linguistic, and contextual equivalence. In Study 2, the validity of the instrument scores was assessed by administering the translated PEPC‐SRQ to 229 mothers in Spain. Results The Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed a two‐factor structure that preserved the original 24 items. Both factors presented good internal consistency and were significantly correlated with other constructs. Conclusion These results support the use of the PEPC‐SRQ in Spain. Implications The Spanish PEPC‐SRQ may now be used as a tool for the early detection of conflictual relationships between siblings and as a tool for assessing the effectiveness of targeted strategies designed to bolster children's sibling relationships. Additionally, this adaptation provides the opportunity to carry out cross‐cultural studies.

We tested a novel methodological approach to examine associations between characteristics of autistic children and outcomes for siblings. Cluster analysis was used to define five groups of children with autism (n = 168) based on autism symptoms, adaptive behavior, pro-social behavior, and behavior problems. Primary and secondary parent carers, and siblings themselves, reported on sibling relationship quality and psychological adjustment. Siblings of autistic children with a mild symptom profile, high levels of adaptive skills, but high internalizing and externalizing problems had the highest level of these problems themselves and more conflict in their relationship. Siblings of autistic children with the most complex support needs (adaptive skills deficits, severe autism symptoms) reported lower warmth relationships but not elevated internalizing and externalizing problems.

A burgeoning research literature investigates the sibling relationships of youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their implications for individual adjustment. Focusing on four relationship domains—behaviors, emotions, cognitions and involvement—and toward advancing this generally atheoretical literature, we review and apply tenets from a range of theoretical perspectives in an effort to illuminate the mechanisms underlying sibling relationship experiences and their adjustment implications. Our review suggests new directions for research to test theoretically-grounded hypotheses about how sibling relationships develop and are linked to individual adjustment. In addition, we consider how identifying underlying bio-psycho-social processes can aid in the development of interventions to promote warm and involved sibling relationships and positive youth development.

The sibling relationship has an important impact on children’s emotional functioning, but it is yet unclear whether and how sibling relationship quality affects adolescent depressive symptoms over time. This study contributes to existing knowledge by examining the relative importance of three aspects of sibling relationship quality (i.e., support, conflict and power balance) on the one hand and sibling depressive symptoms on the other hand in predicting adolescent depressive symptoms over time. Additionally, this study examined whether these influence patterns were moderated by perceived sibling relationship quality and by dyadic gender composition. Across six annual waves, 412 Dutch adolescents (57% boys; Mage = 12.34 years) and their older siblings (47% boys; Mage = 15.36 years) reported on depressive symptoms and sibling relationship quality. Cross-lagged panel analyses showed that only sibling depressive symptoms and not perceived relationship quality predicted adolescent depressive symptoms one year later. This effect was not moderated by sibling relationship quality or gender composition. These results indicate that sibling depressive symptoms may be a risk factor for adolescent depressive symptoms.

Objective This study investigated the role of nontypical development in the relative dominance in twins' relationships throughout childhood. Background Dominance dynamics, affecting siblings' well‐being, are different in twins than in singletons for whom age and development often dictate sibling hierarchy. These dynamics in twins, who share similar ages and developmental contexts, remain underexplored and demand further understanding. Method A longitudinal study surveyed 1,547 mothers and 536 fathers of 322 monozygotic (sharing nearly 100% genes) and 1,199 dizygotic (sharing 50% genetic variance) twin pairs, aged 3 to 8–9. Both parents reported on the twins' relationships. Mothers reported whether either twin had a developmental condition. Results No dominance difference was found in similar developmental conditions dyads, whether both twins had typical or nontypical development. However, in dyads where twins differed in the developmental condition, nontypically developing twins were less dominant than their typically developing cotwins. This dominance imbalance persisted throughout childhood, even if initial developmental issues were resolved. Conclusion From parents' perspectives, nontypical development does not, in itself, prevent children from demonstrating dominance behaviors in twinship, but it is more likely that the asymmetry in developmental conditions is associated with the relationship between the twins. Implications and Recommendations According to parents' perceptions, twins with nontypical development might experience imbalances in their relationship throughout childhood when their co‐twin is a typically developing child. However, demonstrating dominance might be possible for them in other contexts. Understanding these dominance dynamics is vital for caregivers, informing tailored parenting strategies and interventions to support the well‐being of children.

Objective To explore the correlates and implications of sibling jealousy during emerging adulthood. Background Rooted in research and theory on parental differential treatment (PDT) and social comparisons, we expected that more frequent social comparisons between siblings—specifically, PDT as well as upward comparisons (“my sibling is better off than I am”) and downward comparisons (“I am better off than my sibling”)—are positively linked to sibling jealousy, which, in turn, is positively related individual and relational maladjustment. Method Participants included 454 young adults (M = 22.44, SD = 1.50 years of age) who participated in Internet‐based surveys recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk. Results Social comparisons between siblings generally predicted feelings of sibling jealousy, which, in turn, were positively related to young adults' depressive symptoms and sibling conflict. Although PDT was salient in the lives of these emerging adults, siblings' other social comparisons were more strongly linked to their internalizing symptoms and sibling relationship qualities. Conclusion These findings fill a gap in knowledge about the nature and implications of sibling relationships during emerging adulthood and clarify the links between young adults' cognitions (PDT, social comparisons), affective states (jealousy), and behaviors (depressive symptoms, sibling relationship qualities). Implications Sibling relationships should be reflected on more broadly across the life course because family and sibling processes permeate the lives of individuals well after moving away from their family of origin. In particular, it is important for those who work with young adults, including practitioners, to consider the implications sibling relationships have for individual and relational adjustment during emerging adulthood. This includes focusing on mitigating the negative implications of sibling comparisons and sibling jealousy, which continue into emerging adulthood, and ultimately may enhance young adults' emotional and behavioral well‐being.

Parentification occurs when children provide caregiving for family members that typically exceeds their capacity and developmental stage. Parentification roles and responsibilities are often linked with deleterious outcomes, including robbing children of age-appropriate opportunities, activities, and support. However, in some circumstances, such as caring for a sibling vs. caring for a parent, parentification may engender feelings of self-efficacy, competence, and other positive outcomes. The primary objective of the current study was to explore the possible benefits of parentification. Using an understudied, international population, the current study tested the benefits of parentification in the context of the sibling relationship. Two research questions guided the study: to what extent are perceived benefits of parentification positively associated with self-esteem among a sample of Polish late adolescents? And to what extent does the quality of the sibling relationship mediate the association between perceived benefits of parentification and self-esteem? Results from the current sample showed the quality of sibling relationships partially mediated the relation between parentification and self-esteem. The findings underline the importance of assessing the quality of sibling relationships when an individual or family presenting for clinical services related to past and current family discord and dysfunction. Future research might consider other factors in the sibling relationship, such as personality, that could relate to positive outcomes from parentification.HighlightsChildren and adolescents who experience parentification may employ various coping mechanisms.Quality relationships between siblings may reduce the negative outcomes of parentification.International studies on individuals who experience parentification are needed.Relationships other than the harmful ones with parents must be investigated.

Research on the experiences of siblings of individuals with ASD and the quality of their sibling relationships has yielded mixed results. The present study examined the significance of parent- versus child-report of both positive and negative behaviors exhibited by siblings and their brothers and sisters with ASD within sibling dyads. Findings indicated that siblings were more positive in their assessment of the sibling relationship than were their parents. Siblings exhibited more positive behaviors within the sibling relationship than did their brothers and sisters with ASD, and were recipients of aggression. These findings are consistent with prior research suggesting that siblings tend to take on a caretaking role, and point to important targets for intervention.