Observations of sidling interactions in violent families

This study examined sibling relationships of children from violent and non- violent families. Participants included 20 children (IO dyads) who were she lter residents and their mothers and 40 children 120 dyads) from the commun ity and their mothers. Mothers reported on children's behavior problems, si bling conflict resolution strategies, and the quality of the sibling relati onship, Children reported on the quality of their sibling relationships, Si bling interactions were observed during both cooperative and competitive ta sks. Shelter children had more internalizing problems than comparison child ren did. Mothers reported that siblings from violent homes used less verbal and physical aggression than the comparison group. Siblings in the shelter group were supportive. There were no significant differences in observed c onflictual behavior. The importance of the sibling relationship and implica tions for intervention are discussed. (C) 2001 John Wiley (C) Sons, Inc.