MATERNAL INTERVENTION IN SUBCLINICAL SIBLING COERCION

Sibling dyads, aged 4 to 12, were surreptitiously observed on two occa sions during free play in the home. Mothers were absent during baselin e observations. During the experimental session mothers were present a nd either ignored sibling coercion (Ignore Condition) or verbally inte rvened (Reprimand Condition). Reprimands consisted of a ''stop-it'' st atement plus rationale and redirection. Children in the reprimand cond ition displayed lower rates of coercion and higher probabilities of sk illful verbal reasoning than children in the Ignore Condition. Aversiv e sibling reactions to coercion were unaffected by the experimental ma nipulation. Theoretical implications, methodological limitations, and suggestions for further research are discussed.