THE DYNAMICS OF RECIPROCAL SIBLING INTERACTION - ARE CONTEXT AND MATERNAL-BEHAVIOR IMPORTANT

Dyadic behaviours characterizing sibling exchanges, symmetry of dyadic styles and the influence of context (degree of task structure and mat ernal absence or presence) on sibling interaction were investigated. A dditionally, associations between maternal interaction styles and the affective quality of the sibling relationship were examined. Twenty-si x sibling pairs (M age = 6.2 and 3.5 years) and their mothers particip ated in three play sessions. Findings revealed reciprocity within dyad s for cooperative and rivalrous behaviours. Balanced and unbalanced pa tterns of sibling interaction were identified. Task structure did not influence sibling interaction (holding maternal presence constant). Ma ternal presence or absence was associated with a quantitative and qual itative change in sibling interaction. Maternal styles (attentive resp onsiveness, active engagement, praise) were differentially related to the quality of the sibling interaction in maternal presence versus abs ence. The sibling dyad is discussed as an important context for learni ng about the dynamics of social relationships.