Enhancing sibling relationships to prevent adolescent problem behaviors: Theory, design and feasibility of Siblings Are Special

Abstract

Siblings play a significant but neglected role in family socialization dynamics, and focusing on the sibling relationship is a non-stigmatizing point of entry into the family for prevention programming. Siblings are Special (SAS) was designed as a universal program that targets both sibling relationship and parenting mediating processes in middle childhood to prevent behavior problems in adolescence. We describe the theoretical framework underlying SAS, the SAS curriculum, and the feasibility of the program based on a study of 128 middle-childhood aged sibling dyads. Data on the quality of program implementation, program fidelity, siblings’ engagement, and ratings of impact indicated the SAS program was acceptable to families and schools, that the curriculum could be implemented with high fidelity, that siblings and parents participated at high levels and were highly engaged, and that, from the perspective of group leaders, school administrators and parents, the program had a positive impact on the siblings.

Siblings and the Coming-Out Process: A Comparative Case Study

“…In the general field of sibling studies, prominent researchers have highlighted the importance of sibling relationships, notably in the development of social and relational skills (Feinberg, Sakuma, Hostetler, & Mc Hale, 2013;Stormshak, Bellanti, & Bierman, 1996;Sulloway, 2010). For instance, sibling warmth is linked to peer acceptance and social competence in childhood (Stormshak et al, 1996), while conflictual and coercive sibling relationships have been associated with lower peer/social competence, lower school attachment, and risky behaviors (Feinberg et al, 2013).…”

“…For instance, sibling warmth is linked to peer acceptance and social competence in childhood (Stormshak et al, 1996), while conflictual and coercive sibling relationships have been associated with lower peer/social competence, lower school attachment, and risky behaviors (Feinberg et al, 2013).…”

Family Environment, Sibling Relationship and Rivalry towards Quality of Life

“…Weakness or problems in sibling relationship can lead to stumble situation of a family which will indirectly impaired the country's development. Strengthening positive sibling relationship is an ultimate measure to endorse healthy family functioning, cultivating good psychological health and social competence and preventing health risk behavior such as violence in sibling rivalry (Feinberg et al, 2013). Despite the focus on importance of good management on sibling rivalry, limited study has been conducted on this area and the relationship of sibling rivalry towards development of poor personality in the future (Mackey et al, 2010).…”

“…The violence reported involving abandonment, neglecting, physical abuse, sexual abuse and emotional abuse (Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat, 2007). On top of that, a survey of family conflict revealed that 70% of families reported physical violence between siblings, and over 40% of children were kicked, bitten, or punched by their siblings in annually (Feinberg, Sakuma, Hostetler, & Mchale, 2013) Sibling rivalry has been an issue that attracts serious attention not only in Malaysia but in the other countries as well. In the well-developed country like Unites States has also been reporting that sibling abuse has been pinpointed as the most common type of family violence (Meyers, 2015).…”

“…This measure is important as being supported by previous study which indicate that sibling aggression, however, has been shown to be associated with a number of poor outcomes including lower well-being, negative externalizing behaviors and relationship problems (Tucker et al, 2013). The theoretical model being developed by previous study has been focusing on the key pathway of targeting sibling conflict solution, which later extends their experiences into their surroundings and later adolescent year have given us concrete justification for such measure to be implemented in Malaysian culture (Feinberg et al, 2013).…”