A COMPARISON OF SIBLING INTERACTION IN INTACT AND SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES

A comparison of the interactions of siblings in single-parent and inta ct homes was undertaken. Regardless of parental marital status, childr en spent the greatest proportion of their time in prosocial and domina nce behaviors. Preschool children in single parent homes showed signif icantly more imitation and their siblings displayed more dominance and less prosocial behavior. No significant differences in levels of agon ism were found. Despite this, the single mothers' perceptions of the s ibling relationship were more negative than the married mothers'. This may be due to less emotionality and more sibling guidance in the rela tionship. The ultimate healthfulness of this pattern of sibling intera ction remains to be seen.