TY - JOUR
T1 - Preschool sibling interaction in separated and married families
T2 - Are same-sex pairs or older sisters more sociable?
AU - Kier, Cheryl
AU - Lewis, Charlie
PY - 1998
Y1 - 1998
N2 - Two factors have been associated with the quality of sibling relationships: the sex of the children and their family circumstances. Yet the data on each issue are complex. This study examines the sex constellations of sibling pairs in two groups, one of which had experienced a major family disruption (parental separation), with the aim of assessing both influences more fully. Two 1-hour home observations were conducted on 20 preschool sibling dyads of separated parents and 24 pairs in which the parents were married. In both groups the sex configuration of the sibling pairs was important - same-sex pairs seemed to show closer patterns of interaction, and sister-sister dyads were particularly prosocial. These results suggests that previous research showing that older sisters or same-sex pairs interact more are both partly correct. In addition, preschoolers from separated families interacted more. The results suggest that negative life experiences might promote greater closeness between siblings.
AB - Two factors have been associated with the quality of sibling relationships: the sex of the children and their family circumstances. Yet the data on each issue are complex. This study examines the sex constellations of sibling pairs in two groups, one of which had experienced a major family disruption (parental separation), with the aim of assessing both influences more fully. Two 1-hour home observations were conducted on 20 preschool sibling dyads of separated parents and 24 pairs in which the parents were married. In both groups the sex configuration of the sibling pairs was important - same-sex pairs seemed to show closer patterns of interaction, and sister-sister dyads were particularly prosocial. These results suggests that previous research showing that older sisters or same-sex pairs interact more are both partly correct. In addition, preschoolers from separated families interacted more. The results suggest that negative life experiences might promote greater closeness between siblings.
KW - Divorce
KW - Parent-child interaction
KW - Play
KW - Preschool children
KW - Sex roles
KW - Siblings
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0031933022&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1017/S0021963097001832
DO - 10.1017/S0021963097001832
M3 - Journal Article
C2 - 9669232
AN - SCOPUS:0031933022
SN - 0021-9630
VL - 39
SP - 191
EP - 201
JO - Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines
JF - Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines
IS - 2
ER -