Fostering parents’ emotion regulation through a sibling-focused experimental intervention.

Abstract

In this study, we assessed whether an intervention designed to improve children's sibling relationships, the More Fun with Sisters and Brothers program (MFWSB), may also help parents manage their emotions more effectively. Families with at least 2 children between the ages of 4 and 8 years were randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 50) or wait-list control (n = 34) group. Parents completed pre- and posttest questionnaires on sibling warmth and agonism, their emotion regulation during sibling conflict, and their global emotion regulation styles. Program participation had a direct effect on 3 of the 4 emotion regulation outcomes for mothers. Mothers in the intervention versus control group reported lower levels of dysregulation and suppression and higher levels of reappraisal at posttest, controlling for pretest regulation scores. Additionally, path models examining posttest responses showed that participation in MFWSB led to lower levels of maternal and paternal negative reactivity in the sibling context via lower levels of sibling agonism, controlling for pretest levels of negative reactivity. Alternate path models, with parents' emotion regulation as mechanisms linking MFWSB and sibling relationship quality, were tested but not supported. Results highlight the value of a sibling-focused intervention for promoting parents' abilities to regulate their emotions.

Emotional Dysregulation in Children and Adolescents With Psychiatric Disorders. A Narrative Review

“…Because ED is very common, especially in children and adolescents (although only in the focus in the last decade), various treatment options primarily concentrate on this dimension (426,(435)(436)(437)(438)(439)(440)(441)(442)(443)(444).…”

Relationship context and emotion regulation across the life span.

“…Additional research is needed to identify what qualities of sibling relationships are linked to ER use and ability. Ravindran et al (2015) suggested that sibling conflict may serve as a context for developing specific ER strategies related to negative affect. Although to date no direct evidence supports a connection between sibling conflict and ER strategy use, indirect support comes from an intervention study by Kennedy and Kramer (2008) involving preschool-and school-age sibling dyads.…”

Family process and youth internalizing problems: A triadic model of etiology and intervention

“…The effect of SAS on parent-focused variables is consistent with research showing secondary gains for programs focused on enhancing sibling relationships. For instance, one study found that mothers and fathers whose offspring participated in a sibling-relationship-building program showed increases in their own emotion regulation skills (Ravindran, Engle, McElwain, & Kramer, 2015). Although additional trials with both clinical and nonclinical samples will be necessary to ascertain sibling-based programs’ effects, the SAS study supports the promise of incorporating siblings into interventions for youth internalizing problems.…”