Sibling Relationships in Families of Autistic and Typical Children: Similarities and Differences in the Perspectives of Siblings and Mothers.

This study investigates mothers' and siblings' perspectives regarding similarities and differences in siblingships with and without autism. Twenty-nine typical children (Mage = 8.78 years, SD = 2.05) whose younger siblings have a diagnosis of autism and their mothers constituted the 'autism group.' Forty-six typical children (Mage = 9.12 years, SD = 2.06) with younger typical siblings and their mothers constituted the 'typical group'. Children and mothers completed the Sibling Relationship Questionnaires and were interviewed. Children's reports illustrated similarities in sibling relationships across groups, with no between-group differences in overall warmth, conflict, rivalry, or relative power in the sibling relationship. Mothers of autistic children reported their children to have less warmth and closeness (F(1,72) = 5.63, p = .02, η2 = .073) and less conflict (F(1,72) = 6.66, p = .012, η2 = .085) with their siblings than mothers of typical children. More disagreement was found between mothers and children in the autism group than in the typical group. Mothers and children reported less intimacy and less quarreling between the siblings in the autism group than in the typical group. The qualitative analysis suggests that siblings focused on the present experience, while mothers also referred to processes in the sibling relationship. Interviewees in the autism group referred to various specificities in the siblingships without explicitly using the term "autism". The findings highlight a typical-like experience for siblings of autistic children. At the same time, mothers' perspectives emphasize differences and challenges in siblingships, reporting a pattern of decreased involvement. It is important to consider both perspectives in research and clinical work with families of autistic children.

Sibling Relationship and Behavioral Adjustment in Families of Disabled Children: Cross-Lagged Associations.

Cross-lagged panel designs were used to examine longitudinal and potential (bi)directional relationships between primary caregiver reported sibling relationship quality and the behaviors of children with intellectual disability (n = 297) and their closest in age siblings. The behavioral and emotional problems of the child with intellectual disability positively predicted sibling conflict over time. When accounting for control variables, this relationship was no longer present. Sibling warmth positively predicted the prosocial behaviors of the child with intellectual disability over time. When accounting for control variables, both sibling warmth and sibling conflict positively predicted the prosocial behaviors of the child with intellectual disability over time. Future research directions and clinical implications are discussed.

Breastfeeding and the quality of the sibling relationship.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between the type of breastfeeding practiced and the quality of the sibling relationship. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHOD: Participants 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). RESULTS: No 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. CONCLUSIONS: Breastfeeding, regardless of its duration and simultaneity, was associated with higher scores in the dimension of warmth of the sibling relationship. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This information should be considered by healthcare professionals when providing advice on breastfeeding.

Affiliated stigma and contact frequency in sibling relationships of adults with intellectual disabilities: The mediation of relational motivations.

Background: Typically developing (TD) siblings play a crucial role in promoting the health and well-being of adults with intellectual disabilities. Their involvement in the sibling relationship during adulthood may predict their likelihood of providing care to the sibling with intellectual disabilities (ID). However, different types of motivations (discretionary and obligatory) related to the contact frequency of TD siblings have not been fully explored. Little is known about how their negative experiences, such as affiliated stigma, influences relational motivations, which consequently affect contact frequency. This study examined these links in a Chinese context. Method: In total, 1,298 Chinese siblings were surveyed using questionnaires, and structural equation modelling was used to test the mediation effect. Results: Contact frequencies of TD siblings were significantly affected by discretionary motivation, obligatory motivation, and stigma experiences. The findings supported the mediating effect of obligatory motivation in the relationship between affiliated stigma and contact frequency. Conclusion: This study is among the first to examine whether the relational motivation of TD siblings predicts their contact frequency within their relationships with adult siblings with ID. We found that both types of relational motivations of TD siblings positively predicted contact behavior.

Identification Strategy of Biological Half Sibling Relationship.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the application value of the likelihood ratio (LR) method and identity by state (IBS) method in the identification involving half sibling relationships, and to provide a reference for the setting of relevant standards for identification of half sibling relationship. METHODS: (1) Based on the same genetic marker combinations, the reliability of computer simulation method was verified by comparing the distributions of cumulated identity by state score (CIBS) and combined full sibling index in actual cases with the distributions in simulated cases. (2) In different numbers of three genetic marker combinations, the simulation of full sibling, half sibling and unrelated individual pairs, each 1 million pairs, was obtained; the CIBS, as well as the corresponding types of cumulative LR parameters, were calculated. (3) The application value of LR method was compared with that of IBS method, by comparing the best system efficiency provided by LR method and IBS method when genetic markers in different amounts and of different types and accuracy were applied to distinguish the above three relational individual pairs. (4) According to the existing simulation data, the minimum number of genetic markers required to distinguish half siblings from the other two relationships using different types of genetic markers was estimated by curve fitting. RESULTS: (1) After the rank sum test, under the premise that the real relationship and the genetic marker combination tested were the same, there was no significant difference between the simulation method and the results obtained in the actual case. (2) In most cases, under the same conditions, the system effectiveness obtained by LR method was greater than that by IBS method. (3) According to the existing data, the number of genetic markers required for full-half siblings and half sibling identification could be obtained by curve fitting when the system effectiveness reached 0.95 or 0.99. CONCLUSIONS: When distinguishing half sibling from full sibling pairs or unrelated pairs, it is recommended to give preference to the LR method, and estimate the required number of markers according to the identification types and the population data, to ensure the identification effect.

Psychometric validation of the sibling inventory of behavior in three- to six-year-old Chinese children.

With increasing attention on sibling relationship studies in China, one problem that has been neglected is the limited validation of instruments used to assess these relationships. The present study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Sibling Inventory of Behavior to measure Chinese children's sibling relationships using a stratified random sample of 590 parents of three- to six-year-olds in three economic regions. The confirmatory factor analysis obtained an adequate fit, suggesting that the Chinese version of the instrument had a six-factor structure (i.e., Companionship, Empathy, Teaching, Rivalry, Aggression, and Avoidance). It demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency as well as test-retest reliability. Results of discriminant, convergent, and criterion-related validity test also fulfilled psychometric requirements. Furthermore, the residual measurement invariance across regions was discovered. Given the importance, emergence, and tendency of sibling studies in China, having a reliable and valid instrument with robust psychometric properties is essential and impactful.

What If You Can't Ask Them? Psychometric Properties of a Behavioral Assessment of Sibling Relationship Quality.

Building on studies of preferences for social interaction in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) we sought to provide a way for siblings with ASD to express their perspective about the quality of their sibling relationships. We developed a behavioral assessment of sibling relationship preference (Sibling Relationship Assessment [SRA]) and examined the psychometric properties of test-retest reliability, inter-rater reliability, and convergent validity. The SRA was feasible to administer and revealed expected differences between sibling dyads with one sibling with ASD compared to typically-developing sibling dyads. We found strong positive correlations for inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability and convergent validity. The SRA provides a way to assess the perspective of the sibling with ASD that taps one characteristic, preference for spending time with one's sibling, of the quality of sibling relationships.

An integrated model: marital effect on adolescent behavioral problems through siblings.

Introduction: Few studies have simultaneously focused on the effects of marital conflict and marital intimacy on adolescent development, and little is known about the role of sibling relationships. Thus, this study examined the association between marital relationships and adolescent behavioral problems, including depressive symptoms and aggressive behavior. At the same time, we explored the mediating role of sibling hostility and sibling affection and the moderating effect of birth order in multichild families in China. Methods: Participants included 842 adolescents (Mage = 12.60, 46.2% boys) from Henan Province. Marital relationship, sibling relationship, birth order, depressive symptoms and aggressive behavior were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. SEM was then used to examine the role of sibling relationships and birth order in the association between marital relationship and adolescent behavioral problems. Results: Our results showed that marital intimacy was negatively correlated with depressive symptoms and aggressive behavior, while marital conflict was positively correlated with them. Marital intimacy was associated with depressive symptoms and aggressive behavior through both sibling hostility and sibling affection. Marital conflict was indirectly associated with depressive symptoms and aggressive behavior through sibling hostility. In addition, the first-born adolescents were more sensitive to marital intimacy. Discussion: Given that the occurrence of adolescent behavioral problems is more common in contemporary society, our findings suggest that establishing a more intimate and warmer family atmosphere and promoting positive interactions between siblings may help control adolescent mental health problems.

Identification Strategy of Biological Half Sibling Relationship / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To compare the application value of the likelihood ratio (LR) method and identity by state (IBS) method in the identification involving half sibling relationships, and to provide a reference for the setting of relevant standards for identification of half sibling relationship.@*METHODS@#(1) Based on the same genetic marker combinations, the reliability of computer simulation method was verified by comparing the distributions of cumulated identity by state score (CIBS) and combined full sibling index in actual cases with the distributions in simulated cases. (2) In different numbers of three genetic marker combinations, the simulation of full sibling, half sibling and unrelated individual pairs, each 1 million pairs, was obtained; the CIBS, as well as the corresponding types of cumulative LR parameters, were calculated. (3) The application value of LR method was compared with that of IBS method, by comparing the best system efficiency provided by LR method and IBS method when genetic markers in different amounts and of different types and accuracy were applied to distinguish the above three relational individual pairs. (4) According to the existing simulation data, the minimum number of genetic markers required to distinguish half siblings from the other two relationships using different types of genetic markers was estimated by curve fitting.@*RESULTS@#(1) After the rank sum test, under the premise that the real relationship and the genetic marker combination tested were the same, there was no significant difference between the simulation method and the results obtained in the actual case. (2) In most cases, under the same conditions, the system effectiveness obtained by LR method was greater than that by IBS method. (3) According to the existing data, the number of genetic markers required for full-half siblings and half sibling identification could be obtained by curve fitting when the system effectiveness reached 0.95 or 0.99.@*CONCLUSIONS@#When distinguishing half sibling from full sibling pairs or unrelated pairs, it is recommended to give preference to the LR method, and estimate the required number of markers according to the identification types and the population data, to ensure the identification effect.

Life Course Statuses and Sibling Relationship Quality during Emerging Adulthood.

Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 1,366), we examine how major life course statuses are related to sibling relationships during emerging adulthood with attention to similarities and differences in these statuses between sibling dyads. We find that full-time employment, marriage/cohabitation, and parenthood are related to more distant sibling relationships, whereas college education is related to closer sibling relationships. Similarities in employment between the siblings are related to closer relationships, but differences in education, marriage/cohabitation, and parenthood are related to closer relationships, in that respondents report more help-seeking and emotional closeness with their siblings who have higher education than theirs; unpartnered respondents report more calls and fewer fights with their partnered siblings; and childless respondents report more visits and emotional closeness with their parenting siblings. Examining both one's and one's sibling's life course statuses is important in understanding life course variations in sibling relationships.

Parental psychological distress and child maladjustment: Exploring the moderating role of sibling relationship quality.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the quality of the sibling relationship moderates the association between parental psychological distress and child maladjustment (i.e., internalizing and externalizing problems). We extended previous literature by studying mothers and fathers separately and by including an observational measure of the quality of the sibling relationship. Participants were 52 two-parent families from a community sample who had at least two children living at home. Only one child (aged 6-10 years) was targeted for the study and studied in relation to his/her siblings. Mothers and fathers completed a self-reported questionnaire on their psychological distress and individually assessed their child's social-emotional maladjustment. The targeted child's interactions with his/her siblings were observed by independent judges during a home-visit. Results indicate that both maternal and paternal psychological distress are significant predictors of child social-emotional maladjustment. Moderation analyses reveal that children of distressed fathers are at lower risk of social-emotional maladjustment when they engage in highly positive interactions with their siblings. Post hoc analyses suggest that only sibling empathy (not teaching nor companionship) is a significant moderator of the association between paternal psychological distress and child maladjustment. The results of this study provide further evidence of the influence that fathers have in their child's development and highlight the importance of using a systemic family approach to promote children's social-emotional adaptation in the context of parental distress.

Quality of the sibling relationship when one sibling has autism spectrum disorder: A randomized controlled trial of a sibling support group.

LAY ABSTRACT: The sibling relationship can be negatively impacted when one child has autism spectrum disorder. One way to improve the quality of that relationship is through typically developing sibling participation in a support group in which they learn about autism spectrum disorder and coping skills, develop a peer network, and discuss their feelings. Compared to participating in a similar group without a focus on autism spectrum disorder, siblings in the support group showed improvements in the quality of the sibling relationship. Findings suggest that sibling support groups can be a valuable resource to improve sibling relationship quality when one sibling has autism spectrum disorder.

Parentification, distress, and relationship with parents as factors shaping the relationship between adult siblings and their brother/sister with disabilities.

According to parentification theory, when the siblings of a brother/sister with disabilities assume parent-like duties, this role reversal is known as sibling-focused parentification. It has a significant impact on these siblings' distress and the quality of their family relationships; 605 Italian adult siblings (19-26 years) of people with disabilities completed the online survey. Measures of siblings' parentification, distress, quality of family relationships, social support, and perceived benefits of parentification were used. The hypothesized model aims to test, on the target sample, the distress and the quality of the relationship with parents as mediators on the interplay between the siblings' parentification and their sibling relationship. Additionally, social support and perceived benefits of parentification as protective factors were considered. Results showed that the distress and the low quality of the relationship with parents negatively affected the interplay between the siblings' parentification and the relationship with their own brother/sister with disabilities. Social support and the perceived benefits of parentification decreased the siblings' distress levels; the perceived benefits of parentification served as a protective factor for the quality of the relationship with parents. Current findings extend the knowledge regarding the risk and protective factors of the siblings' mental health when disability occurs in the family. Additionally, they inform family-based intervention programs, which should involve the whole family system for reducing distress and improving the wellbeing of siblings without disabilities.

Effect of early childhood psychological maltreatment on depression in non-only-child college students: the multiple mediating effects of sibling relationship and resilience / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of child psychological abuse on adult depression in non-only-child families, and to investigate the mediating effects of sibling relationship and resilience.Methods:The child psychological abuse scale (CPAS), the life span sibling relationship scale(LSRS), Connor-Davidson resilience scale(CD-RISC) and the center for epidemiologic studies depression scale (CES-D) were were used to evaluate 2 995 non-only-child college students from March 2020 to July 2020.Descriptive analysis and correlation analysis were performed by SPSS 21.0 software.The mediating effect was tested by AMOS 23.0 software.Results:(1) The positive rate of childhood psychological abuse was 55.29%.The positive rate of depression(16(9, 24)) was 51.62%.(2) Psychological abuse, sibling relationship, resilience and depression were significantly different in the dimensions of parental relationship ( Z=-17.986, -13.822, -13.771, -12.620, -10.650, -11.524, all P<0.01). There was a significant difference in depression variables ( Z=-2.176, P<0.05). (3) Psychological abuse was positively correlated with depression ( r=0.558, P<0.01), and negatively correlated with sibling relationship and resilience ( r=-0.379, r=-0.270, both P<0.01). Sibling relationship was positively correlated with resilience ( r=0.380, P<0.01), and negatively correlated with depression ( r=-0.366, P<0.01). There was a significant negative correlation between resilience and depression ( r=-0.431, P<0.01). (4) The indirect effect value of psychological abuse on depression was 0.138, accounting for 9.37% of the total effect.Further testing the mediating effect of psychological resilience, adult sibling relationship and child sibling relationship, the single mediating effect of resilience accounted for 3.33% of the total effect, and the chain mediating effect of adult sibling relationship and resilience accounted for 2.76%. Conclusion:The relationship between psychological abuse and depression in non-only child is very close.The relationship between psychological resilience and sibling relationship, especially adult sibling relationship, can alleviate the depression, but this effect is limited to reducing the degree of depression and can not improve the incidence of depression.

Parenting and Sibling Relationships in Family with Disruptive Behavior Disorders. Are Non-Clinical Siblings More Vulnerable for Emotional and Behavioral Problems?

Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBD) are the most common mental health disorders in the school-aged child population. Although harsh parenting is a key risk factor in the shaping of DBD, studies neglect the presence of siblings and differential parenting. This study aims to compare: (1) parenting style and sibling relationship in sibling dyads of clinical families, composed of a DBD child and a non-clinical sibling, with control families composed of two non-clinical siblings; (2) parenting style, sibling relationship, and emotional and behavioral problems in DBD child, non-clinical sibling, and non-clinical child of control group. Sixty-one families (composed of mother and sibling dyads), divided into clinical (n = 27) and control (n = 34) groups, completed the APQ, SRI, and CBCL questionnaires. Results indicated differential parenting in clinical families, compared to control group families, with higher negative parenting toward the DBD child than the sibling; no difference emerged in sibling relationship within sibling dyads (clinical vs. control). Finally, externalizing and internalizing problems were higher in DBD children and their siblings, compared to control, indicating DBD sibling psychopathology vulnerability. Findings suggest inclusion of siblings in the clinical assessment and rehabilitative intervention of DBD children, given that the promotion of positive parenting could improve mental health in the offspring.

Application of ITO Method in Determination of Special Half-Sibling Relationship.

OBJECTIVES: To identify whether the relationship between Zhang A, Zhang B, Zhang C and Zhang X is the half-sibling relationship whose mother is sister (hereinafter referred to as the special half-sibling relationship) or the common first cousin relationship and discuss the application of ITO method in discriminating the special kinship. METHODS: DNA was extracted from blood stain of four identified individuals, PowerPlex® 21 System and AGCU 21+1 STR kit were used to detect autosomal STR genetic markers. Investigator® Argus X-12 QS kit was used to detect the X chromosome STR genetic markers, the special half-sibling index (SHSI) and first cousin index (FCI) and their likelihood ratio (LR) were calculated by ITO method. RESULTS: The LR results of SHSI to FCI, which were calculated based on autosomal STR genotyping and the analysis of X-STR genotyping results suggested that the relationship between Zhang A, Zhang B, Zhang C and Zhang X was inclined to be a special half-sibling relationship. CONCLUSIONS: For the identification of special kinship, it is necessary to comprehensively apply various genetic markers according to the case. After the conclusion that shared alleles cannot be excluded from the analysis, ITO method can be further used to establish discriminant assumptions according to the specific case to obtain objective and reliable identification opinions.

Exploring the Structure of Sibling Relationships Among Preschool Children in China and Developing a Questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the structure of sibling relationships among preschool children in China and develop a questionnaire. METHODS: The concept of sibling relationships among preschool children in China was established through literature review, open interviews, and expert review, and the initial project was designed. Using the questionnaire survey method, with 651 mothers of preschool children as the research objects, we performed item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and reliability and validity tests on the initial questionnaire. RESULTS: The questionnaire for the sibling relationships among preschool children in China had 18 questions covering dimensions of sibling interaction, sibling acceptance, sibling warmth, and sibling rivalry. The questionnaire fitting indexes were better (χ2/df = 1.829, CFI = 0.930, TLI = 0.917, RMSEA = 0.055, SRMR = 0.053). The internal consistency coefficient between the total questionnaire and each dimension was 0.759-0.8548, and the total questionnaire significantly correlated with each dimension (r = 0.229-0.792) and the total score of parental self-efficacy (r = -0.106 to 0.338). CONCLUSION: The Sibling Relationship Questionnaire for Chinese Preschool Children (Parental Version) exhibited good reliability and validity, making it an effective tool for the evaluation of sibling relationships among preschool children.

Non-psychopathology Related Outcomes Among Siblings of Individuals with Mental Illness: A Systematic Review.

The current study consists of a systematic review of the quantitative literature on siblings of individuals with mental illness (MI). Despite the prevalence of mental illness, little is known about how siblings are specifically affected in areas of psychosocial, emotional, and behavioral outcomes. The review yielded 56 studies that examined outcomes such as behavior problems, the sibling relationship, caregiving experiences, and knowledge of mental illness among siblings. The majority of studies from the initial search were focused on siblings-as-comparison group, examining siblings for risk factors for developing mental illness. In total, the study samples covered a sibling age range of 6-81 and a patient age range of 4-84. About half (k = 27) of the included studies had samples primarily composed of siblings of individuals with schizophrenia, leaving other MI diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, and mood disorders underrepresented. However, results from comparison studies were mixed-half found that the MI-Sibs had fewer negative outcomes than the comparison group, and half found that MI-Sibs had more negative outcomes. Multiple factors, including female sibling gender, greater severity of MI symptoms, and belief in the patient's ability to control their own behavior, were all related to more negative outcomes for MI-Sibs. Future work will focus on expanding the representativeness of MI-Sibs samples and analyzing experiences of both the sibling and the individual with MI.

Conflicting and harmonious sibling relationships of children and adolescent siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder.

BACKGROUND: The presence of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) could have a strong psychological and emotional impact on typical development (TD) siblings, with different ways of adjustment and perception of fraternal relationships. In this study, we aimed to investigate the experience of the TD siblings of children with ASD, combining both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. METHOD: An explanatory sequential design was employed. Forty-four TD siblings of children with ASD, aged 6 to 17 years old, participated in the study. Each participant completed the Sibling Relationship Inventory that investigated warmth, rivalry and conflict in sibling relationships. Moreover, in order to thoroughly evaluate the participants' perception of their sibling relationship, they were asked to draw themselves with their sibling with ASD in a condition of harmony and conflict. The drawings were collected and coded using the well-validated Pictorial Assessment of Interpersonal Relationships. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted. RESULTS: In general, TD siblings showed affection for their siblings with ASD. However, males showed more conflict than females. Quantitative analyses of the drawings showed high levels of similarity between the siblings, despite the disability. In drawings, greater cohesion emerged in conditions of harmony and greater distancing in situations of conflict. Content analysis of the drawings showed that the conflict is represented mainly at home and the siblings often show opposite emotions, with TD siblings experiencing negative emotions. Moreover, adolescent TD siblings displayed more annoyance, shame and embarrassment than child TD siblings. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to combine quantitative and qualitative tools to understand the experience of TD siblings in detail. In particular, drawing is a useful tool for providing quantitative and qualitative information, supplying rich and detailed information that can be well integrated with the results coming from quantitative tools.

Application of ITO Method in Determination of Special Half-Sibling Relationship / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To identify whether the relationship between Zhang A, Zhang B, Zhang C and Zhang X is the half-sibling relationship whose mother is sister (hereinafter referred to as the special half-sibling relationship) or the common first cousin relationship and discuss the application of ITO method in discriminating the special kinship.@*METHODS@#DNA was extracted from blood stain of four identified individuals, PowerPlex® 21 System and AGCU 21+1 STR kit were used to detect autosomal STR genetic markers. Investigator® Argus X-12 QS kit was used to detect the X chromosome STR genetic markers, the special half-sibling index (SHSI) and first cousin index (FCI) and their likelihood ratio (LR) were calculated by ITO method.@*RESULTS@#The LR results of SHSI to FCI, which were calculated based on autosomal STR genotyping and the analysis of X-STR genotyping results suggested that the relationship between Zhang A, Zhang B, Zhang C and Zhang X was inclined to be a special half-sibling relationship.@*CONCLUSIONS@#For the identification of special kinship, it is necessary to comprehensively apply various genetic markers according to the case. After the conclusion that shared alleles cannot be excluded from the analysis, ITO method can be further used to establish discriminant assumptions according to the specific case to obtain objective and reliable identification opinions.