PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIPS, FAMILY PROBLEM-SOLVING BEHAVIOR, AND SIBLING RELATIONSHIP QUALITY - THE MODERATING ROLE OF SIBLING TEMPERAMENTS

In this study we sought to determine whether sibling temperaments mode rated the associations of parent-child relationship quality and family problem-solving behavior with sibling relationship quality. Observati onal assessments of mother-child and father-child relationship quality , family problem-solving behavior, and sibling relationship quality we re obtained from the families of 49 pairs of brothers and 46 pairs of sisters. Mean ages were 10-2 for older siblings and 7-6 for younger si blings. Parent-reported child temperament assessments were also obtain ed. The links among mother-older child relationship quality, father-ol der child relationship quality, and sibling relationship quality were moderated by the older sibling's temperament. The younger and older si blings' temperaments moderated the associations between the quality of the father-younger sibling and sibling relationships. The association between family problem-solving behavior and sibling relationship qual ity was not moderated by sibling temperaments.