Childhood sibling relationships as a predictor of major depression in adulthood: a 30-year prospective study

OBJECTIVE: The authors examined the quality of sibling relationships in childhood as a predictor of major depression in adulthood. METHOD: Study subjects were 229 men selected for mental and physical health and followed from ages 20 through 50 and beyond as part of a study of adult psychosocial development. Data were obtained from interviews with participants and their parents at intake and from follow-up interviews and self-report questionnaires completed by participants at regular intervals. These data were used to rate the quality of relationships with siblings, the quality of parenting received in childhood, and family history of depression as well as the occurrence, by age 50, of major depression, alcoholism, and use of mood-altering drugs (tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and stimulants). RESULTS: Poorer relationships with siblings prior to age 20 and a family history of depression independently predicted both the occurrence of major depression and the frequency of use of mood-altering drugs by age 50, even after adjustment for the quality of childhood relationships with parents. Poor relationships with parents in childhood did not predict the occurrence of depression by age 50 when family history of depression and the quality of relationships with siblings were taken into account. Quality of sibling relationships and family history of depression did not predict later alcohol abuse or dependence. CONCLUSIONS: Poor sibling relationships in childhood may be an important and specific predictor of major depression in adulthood. Further study of links between childhood sibling relationships and adult depression is warranted.     

Families of children with 5p- (cri du chat) syndrome: familial stress and sibling reactions

This research examined family stress and sibling reactions in families of children with 5p- (cri du chat) syndrome aged 1 to 18 years who were living at home. In Study 1,99 parents reported on themselves and their child with 5p-, as well as on family demographics, social supports, and stress. The best predictor of familial stress was the child's amount of maladaptive behavior, accounting for 12 to 38% of the variance across different stress measures. In Study 2, sibling concerns were examined in 44 unaffected siblings. The major finding was that parents and siblings disagreed on the extent of the siblings' interpersonal concerns. Parents reported that siblings felt ignored and misunderstood, whereas siblings themselves rated these concerns at much lower levels.     

Siblings of individuals with Smith-Magenis syndrome: an investigation of the correlates of positive and negative behavioural traits

Background Smith–Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately one out of 25 000 births worldwide. To date, no research has been conducted to investigate how having an individual with SMS in a family is a positive or negative influence on siblings. Methods To investigate this question we conducted a study involving 79 siblings and 60 parents of individuals with SMS to assess perceptions of how having a sibling with SMS positively and negative influence siblings' behavioural traits. Results Our findings show that age of siblings of individuals with SMS was associated with a significant increase in positive behavioural traits and a significant decrease in negative behavioural traits. Additionally, siblings who perceive benefits from having a sibling with SMS demonstrate significantly more positive behavioural traits and significantly fewer negative behavioural traits. Parents accurately assess the changes in sibling behavioural traits with age, and parents who perceive their child as having experienced benefits from the sibling relationship report that siblings demonstrate significantly more positive behavioural traits and significantly fewer negative behavioural traits. Conclusions Our research shows that although individuals experience difficulties as a result of having a sibling with SMS, overall, siblings tend to fare well and parents appreciate both the positive and negative behavioural effects that result from having a sibling with SMS.     

Adjustment of children who have a sibling with Down syndrome: perspectives of mothers, fathers and children

Background A number of methodological weaknesses have contributed to our relatively poor understanding of the impact on children of having a brother or sister with a disability. These include a focus on poor adjustment, using multidiagnostic groups, inadequate matching, and a failure to consider the perspectives of children and parents together. Method This study compared the adjustment of 53 siblings of a child with Down syndrome with a comparison group of siblings of children who were developing typically. Children were matched on a case‐by‐case basis for gender, age and position in family. Families were matched for family size and father’s occupation. The age range of the target siblings was 7–14 years. Data were gathered from mothers, fathers and siblings. Results There were no significant differences between the groups on adjustment measures. These included parent perceptions of externalizing and internalizing behaviours, parent perceptions of sibling competence, and sibling perceptions of their own competence and self‐worth. Associations between measures of adjustment and child reports of their contribution to household functioning depended on sex rather than group membership. There was an association between parental reports of externalizing behaviour and sibling relationships with the brother/sister closest in age. Conclusions Having a brother or sister with Down syndrome does not inevitably lead to poor adjustment. Examination of within‐family processes would appear to be more useful in identifying children at risk than merely group membership.     

Sibling relationships of children with Down syndrome: perspectives of mothers,fathers, and siblings

Fifty-four siblings of children with Down syndrome and their parents and an individually matched group of comparison children and parents provided data about the quality of sibling relationships. There were no group differences in parental reports, but siblings of children with Down syndrome reported less unkindness and, if in a same-sex dyad, more empathy than did comparison children. There were differences between same-sex and opposite-sex dyads regarding avoidance and frequency of sibling positive and negative interactions. There were no group or sex differences in children's reports of their interactions with parents or contribution to household chores. Siblings of a child with Down syndrome participated in more caregiving activities. Caregiving was associated with empathy and involvement on the relationship questionnaire.     

Sibling Relationships: Parent–Child Agreement and Contributions of Siblings With and Without ASD

Research on the experiences of siblings of individuals with ASD and the quality of their sibling relationships has yielded mixed results. The present study examined the significance of parent- versus child-report of both positive and negative behaviors exhibited by siblings and their brothers and sisters with ASD within sibling dyads. Findings indicated that siblings were more positive in their assessment of the sibling relationship than were their parents. Siblings exhibited more positive behaviors within the sibling relationship than did their brothers and sisters with ASD, and were recipients of aggression. These findings are consistent with prior research suggesting that siblings tend to take on a caretaking role, and point to important targets for intervention.     

Parental Influence on Sibling Caregiving for People with Severe Mental Illness

Adult siblings of people with serious mental illness are increasingly being called upon to serve as caregivers for their loved ones. The present study investigated 111 adults' reports of their relationships with their afflicted siblings and with their parents in an attempt to explain well siblings' reports of: (1) current caregiving, (2) hypothetical caregiving willingness, and (3) future intention to care for their brother or sister with mental illness. Results of hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicate that perceived sibling need, sibling affection, reciprocity with ill siblings, felt obligation toward parents, and parental requests for help with caregiving are associated with current sibling caregiving. Findings also suggest that adults' beliefs about their ill siblings' need for assistance and their parents' need for assistance are related to future sibling caregiving intentions. The implications of these findings for researchers and mental health professionals are discussed.     

Familial multiple sclerosis: volumetric assessment in clinically symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.

A genetic basis for clustering of multiple sclerosis (MS) cases, based on studies of MS families, has been proposed for decades. Few reports provide detailed neurological as well as neuroradiological findings on these patients. We report total T2-weighted intracranial lesion volumes on members of three familial MS cohorts: a mother and father with conjugal MS with one affected son and a neurologically normal son and daughter, one pair of monozygotic twin sisters with MS, and a female sibling pair with MS. We hypothesized that asymptomatic siblings in a family with two affected parents and another affected child might demonstrate clinically silent T2-weighted lesions; and that monozygotic twins with MS are more likely to express similar T2-weighted lesion volumes than non-twin sibling pairs. We found clinically silent lesions in unaffected children of the symptomatic parent couple, with a significant difference in total T2 lesion volume between these unaffected siblings and their parents, as well as their affected brother. In our other sibling pairs, T2 lesion volumes were similar between the twins and significantly different in the non-twin pair, despite similar levels of clinical functioning as determined by EDSS scoring. These results suggest that foci of demyelination might be expected in clinically normal offspring of parents with MS, possibly reflecting a genetic predisposition to subsequent development of MS.     

A phenomenological content analysis of online support seeking by siblings of people with autism

With the sharp increase in diagnosis rates of autism spectrum disorder, more family members are caring for and being raised with individuals with autism. Although research has examined parents’ experiences of raising a child with autism, more knowledge is needed regarding neuro-typical siblings’ experiences. One way to understand siblings’ experiences is to hear their own recollections as shared through online peer forums. The purpose of this phenomenological content analysis was to understand the unfiltered experiences of neuro-typical adults who grew up with a sibling with autism spectrum disorder as they sought support online. Secondary analysis of online blog posts generated four themes: Unique family relationships; Complex spectrum of emotional experiences; Autism influencing life trajectories; A spectrum of coping strategies. Results provide useful implications for professionals working with these families and for researchers studying autism.     

Sibling relations in processing sexual trauma: the film "The Celebration"]

Movies appeal as a subject of psychoanalytical art interpretation due to their structural closeness to "scenical understanding" and enrich our Insight into human relationships. The movie Das Pest is worth seeing because of its particular aesthetic form and because of its message about sibling relationships. According to the assessment of film journalists the movie shows the dismantling of middle class society and the reinscenation of destructive violence. In this author's interpretation, however, the movie leads out of passing violence on through the generations and herein differs from numerous current movies about siblings. The movie is about the process of a constructive development in the reciprocal relationships between four siblings and shows this in the formal structure of a film. With countertransference and our "viewing habits" the author discusses why this development could be overlooked. The movie shows neither a sibling fixation nor an idealization of sibling love as a regressive, timeless topos, but rather a horizontal relationship process. This is open towards partners and allows for a conciliatory attitude towards the parents. The movie is able to show this process conclusively under the burden of intergenerational violence and in its creativity enriches our image of sibling relationships.     

Sibling relationships when a child has autism: marital stress and support coping

Family systems theory was employed to study sibling relationships in 50 families with a child with autism. Typically developing siblings expressed satisfaction with their sibling relationships. Parents were somewhat less positive about the sibling relationship than were the siblings themselves. As hypothesized, stress in the marital relationship was associated with compromised sibling relationships. Informal social support buffered the deleterious effects of marital stress on positive, but not negative, aspects of the sibling relationship. Contrary to predictions, families experiencing high marital stress who sought greater support from formal resources external to the family had typically developing siblings who reported a higher level of negative sibling behaviors than families who sought low levels of formal support. Findings reinforce the importance of considering family context as a contributor to the quality of the sibling relationship.     

Stigma and public health policy for schizophrenia.

Few families seem to be preparing adequately for the future with respect to financial planning or caregiving responsibilities. The consequences of schizophrenia on siblings and sibling relationships can be significant. Exploring how the chaos and confusion that typically accompanies the onset of the illness may have adversely affected family members and family relationships can offer an opportunity to build proactive partnerships toward future planning for continuity of care for the mentally ill. The Schizophrenia Society of Saskatchewan facilitates family involvement in fostering a sibling support strategy focused on the specific issues faced by siblings of people with schizophrenia. Support groups and the provision of concrete family financial and caregiving planning are tangible ways siblings can prepare better for the future. Strengthening lobbying capacities is also important to advocate partnerships between integrative community-based, client-centered services and family members of the severely mentally ill.     

Sibling Relationships in Families of Divorce

This paper considers the role of sibling relationships in families of divorce. The nature and functions of sibling relationships are first discussed in light of current research and family theory. This theoretical background is used to support the notion that sibling relationships are not only affected by divorce, but can also be an important resource in helping children through post-divorce adjustment. Several case studies are presented which provide support for this perspective. Finally, suggestions are made for the clinician interested in applying knowledge about siblings in the family therapy setting.     

The Logic of Custodial Organization†

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to explore a literature gap–sibling involvement in the care and support of people with schizophrenia, and to make recommendations for filling the gap. Method: The method used was observation and documentation of clinical notes over a ten-year period in an outpatient clinic for women with schizophrenia. Illustrative examples were selected from approximately 200 entries dealing with sibling relationships. Findings: Siblings constitute an important segment of the social network of persons with schizophrenia, although they do not usually take an active part in their brother or sister's care until parents are no longer able to cope alone. The role of primary caregiver appears to be a stressful one for siblings. The closest sibling bonds were those between sisters, and in most cases, the eldest girl in the family assumed the caregiver role. This depended, however, on the family's means, values, and cultural traditions, as well as on the personal attributes and life circumstances of the siblings. Financial, human, and social capital were critical determinants of sibling involvement. Sharing responsibilities and negotiating the distribution of required caretaking tasks was often the most effective way of dealing with the burden of care giving. Conclusion: Although some clinical recommendations can be made, specificities that distinguish this population and the effectiveness of sibling caregiving need to be further researched.     

Child, parent and family factors as predictors of adjustment for siblings of children with a disability

Background Siblings adjust to having a brother or sister with a disability in diverse ways. This study investigated a range of child, parent and family factors as predictors of sibling adjustment outcomes. Methods Forty‐nine siblings (aged 7–16 years) and parents provided information about (1) sibling daily hassles and uplifts; (2) sibling coping; (3) parent stress; (4) parenting; and (5) family resilience. Multiple regression techniques were used. Results It was found that parent and family factors were stronger predictors of sibling adjustment difficulties than siblings’ own experiences of stress and coping. Specifically, socio‐economic status, past attendance at a sibling support group, parent stress, family time and routines, family problem‐solving and communication, and family hardiness‐predicted sibling adjustment difficulties. Finally, siblings’ perceived intensity of daily uplifts significantly predicted sibling prosocial behaviour. Conclusions The results revealed that the family level of risk and resilience factors were better predictors of sibling adjustment than siblings’ own experiences of stress and coping resources, highlighting the importance of familial and parental contributions to the sibling adjustment process. The implications of these results for the design of interventions and supports for siblings are discussed.     

“They don’t really get heard”: A qualitative study of sibling involvement across two forms of family-based treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa

Little is known about the involvement of siblings in family-based treatment (FBT) for anorexia nervosa (AN). To explore the experience of families, adolescents who had completed FBT, their siblings, and parents were interviewed. Siblings reported that involvement in FBT enhanced their understanding of anorexia and that they supported their family in various ways. While siblings often wished they had attended more sessions, there was no consensus among parents and patients regarding sibling attendance and many were concerned about potential negative impacts on siblings. Clinicians should discuss sibling roles and expectations early in FBT and work actively with families to address concerns.     

Sibling relationships or children with autistic,mentally retarded,and nonhandicapped brothers and sisters

The subjects were 90 children between 6 and 15 years of age, 30 with autistic, 30 with mentally retarded, and 30 with nonhandicapped brothers or sisters. The children were questioned about their sibling relationships in an openended interview, and, in the case of children with handicapped siblings, they also responded to questions about particular problems they faced in regard to their brothers or sisters. In addition, mothers filled out a behavior rating scale in which they described the positive and negative aspects of their children's behavior toward the sibling. In general, children and mothers rated the sibling relationships positively. Group comparisons indicated that children with autistic and mentally retarded siblings did not differ on any self-report measures. Children with nonhandicapped siblings reported that their family relations were slightly more cohesive but otherwise did not differ in terms of their self-reports from children with handicapped siblings. Mothers of nonhandicapped children, however, rated the sibling relationships more negatively than did mothers of handicapped children. Further analyses revealed that status variables (age, gender, family size) were not as highly correlated with the quality of sibling relationships with handicapped children as were specific problem areas (e.g., perceptions of parental favoritism, coping ability, concerns about the hahdicapped child's future).Portions of this paper were presented at the Meeting of the National Society for Autistic Children, Omaha, Nebraska, July 1982. The authors would like to thank the children and mothers who participated in the study for their time and cooperation; Nancy Dieffenbach, Carol McLain, and Kathy Weeks for their help in data collection; and Ann Crouter and two anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments on an earlier draft of this paper.     

Pregnancy as a reaction to early childhood sibling loss

Surrogate mothers, illegitimately pregnant teenagers, married women seeking abortions, women convicted of manslaughter, and sister survivors of early childhood sibling loss may share a common conflict. These women may be in a state of incomplete mourning, unconsciously wishing to master a trauma by turning a passive experience into a life event they can control. Pregnancy can function as that life event. Replacement daughters and/or sister survivors can present as our patients with a search for or an avoidance of pregnancy as a crucial though unconscious issue. Literature written about this sequelae of early sibling death is reviewed according to psychosexual and object relationship stages. Common and uncommon consequences are discussed. Vignettes from the course of psychoanalytic therapy with women whose brothers had been accidently killed; whose sibling had died of metabolic disease; and those whose siblings had been relinquished to foster care are used to illustrate the immediate and long-term reactions. The range of these include varieties of separation anxiety as well as learning inhibitions in latency; exaggerated pseudo heterosexuality and other risk taking at puberty; problems in self-esteem regulation relative to either the idealized memory of the missing sibling or the omnipotence connected with survivor guilt. This paper focuses on the choice of a sexual partner and pregnancy issues as symptoms of reworking established conflicts around self-valuation and abandonment by sibling and grieving parents. As the family relationships around the lost sibling become less distorted in her analysis via transference resolution, so do the feelings about contemporary relationships. Becoming pregnant is then not an event burdened by the past.     

Interpersonal relation pattern in families with a bulimic member- interaction analysis

Basic hypotheses concerning the interaction in families of bulimic patients are tested. Family therapy sessions of 20 female patients of an outpatient therapy unit for eating-disorders were coded with a micro-analytic instrument (G?ttinger Familieninteraktions-Skalen) and analysed. The siblings relationships were systematically included in the study. The parental dyad turned out to be significantly more conflictual than the other dyads were. In the relationship between the patient and the parents a relatively stable pattern of interactional behaviour was found. The relationship between mother and bulimic daughter was more conflictual than that between father and daughter. The father-sibling-dyad was not significantly more conflictual than the father-patient-dyad. Especially the impact of sibling relationships on the family interaction of bulimic patients needs further elucidation.