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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 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.

Although numerous studies exist on the sibling relationships of children with disabilities, much less research has examined the sibling relationships of children with visual impairments. Considering the contributions of siblings to each other in terms of personality development and social functioning, the impact of visual impairments on the quality and dynamics of sibling relationships needs to be studied. We therefore investigated the sibling relationships of children with visual impairments. We performed a case study by conducting semi-structured interviews with a total of 24 participants including siblings with visual impairments, sighted sibling(s), and their parents from six families. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted for data analysis. Four superordinate themes emerged from the interviews: diverse aspects of the relationship, differing roles, mutual support, and transformative experiences. The results reveal that although the dynamics of the relationships between children with visual impairments and their siblings were similar to those of sibling relationships of typical dyads, visual impairments disturbed the natural flow of the relationship between siblings. The sibling relationships were mostly guided by feelings, and sighted siblings were a powerful source of support. Sibling dyads had a limited social life and their shared activities and times were mostly home-based. Within the context of sibling relationships of children with visual impairments, the relationships were characterized by challenges, differing roles, and positive aspects. Family members of children with visual impairments perceived the sibling relationships on a spectrum including non-disability experiences at one end and the challenge to manage typical relationships at the other end. For future directions, longitudinal research may be conducted to examine the development of sibling relationships across life, while practitioners can provide support to sibling dyads about how to spend time together and manage their relationship more effectively. Highlights Sibling relationships of children with visual impairments were characterized by challenges, differing roles, and positive aspects. The sibling relationship was mostly guided by feelings, and sighted siblings were a powerful source of support. Sibling dyads had a limited social life and their shared activities and times were mostly home-based. Sighted siblings’ excessive caregiving and assumption of parent-like duties derived from sibling-focused parentification. The use of a multi-respondent approach provided a more comprehensive insight into the sibling relationship of children with visual impairments.

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.

Objective This study aimed to explore sibling relationship quality and empathy of women in emerging adulthood. Background The gender composition of siblings is a significant feature affecting their relationship dynamics. In particular, women, compared with men, report closer sibling relationships with their sisters and brothers. Similarly, women are better at understanding and experiencing empathy. However, it is unclear whether these empathic tendencies displayed by women are connected to their sibling relationship quality or whether affective and cognitive empathy skills may relate to sibling relationship dynamics. Methods A mixed‐method explanatory sequential design was used to evaluate sibling relationships of emerging adult women (N = 284) with standardized questionnaires and explain the reasons behind the results by interviewing a subsample of the participants (n = 9). Results Results indicated that affective empathy and cognitive empathy were linked to sibling relationship quality of women, and major issues in the family play a crucial role in sibling closeness and empathy. Conclusion The current study expands our understanding of the association between empathy and sibling relationship dynamics for emerging adult women. Implications Programs designed to improve sibling relationship quality may facilitate empathy development, particularly during family crises such as divorce, death, or disease.