Sibling Interaction Across Cultures is a collection of studies focusing on the role siblings play in the social, emotional, and cognitive development of their younger siblings. Unlike much previous research on sibling relationships, these studies share the underlying assumption that social interaction plays a significant role in the acquisition and transmission of cultural knowledge and social understanding. The contributors evaluate the advantages as well as limitations of current methodological issues directly affecting sibling research and assess the various theoretical perspectives underpinning these methodologies. Drawing from empirical, cross- and infra-cultural research, this volume lays new groundwork for identifying universal, environmental, and culture-specific aspects of the role of siblings in child development.

When one begins to examine the existing literature dealing with siblings, one soon becomes aware that many separate domains of sibling research exist and that there is little connection between them; for example, sibling relationships in early childhood, genetic and environmental influences on individual differences between siblings, dysfunctional sibling relation ships, adult sibling helping relationships, sibling violence and abuse, and so on. The author's aim in writing this book was to attempt to bring together for the first time studies from diverse areas of sibling research into a single volume. The book is a summary and integration of the various domains of sibling studies, extending across the life span where studies exist to make this possible. Although many gaps in the sibling research literature within and between domains of study and over the life span still exist, it is hoped that this book will motivate others to help fill in the gaps by suggesting direc tions where further research is needed.

Many people grow up with at least one sibling. These siblings are often ‘fellow travellers’ through adversity or significant life events; they can act as a source of support for some children while a source of conflict for others. For these reasons, siblings are a potentially powerful influence on development and this book is one of the first of its kind to provide an overview of cutting-edge psychological research on this important relationship. Why Siblings Matter is a cornerstone text on siblinghood. Integrating findings from a 10 year longitudinal study alongside wider research, it provides a lifespan perspective examining the impact of sibling relationships on children’s development and well-being. This text situates siblings in their historical, developmental and family context, considers the influence of siblings on children’s development and adjustment, and provides an introduction to new research on siblings in diverse contexts. The authors discuss sibling relationships in varied populations such as siblings with disabilities, siblings in different cultures and siblings in non-traditional families, while also considering the practical implications of research. Covering both classical studies and new results this book offers take-home messages for promoting positive sibling interactions. It will be invaluable reading for students and researchers in developmental psychology and family studies and professionals in education, health and social work.

A pioneering new study of nineteenth-century kinship and family relations, focusing on the British middle class, and highlighting both the similarities and the differences in relations between brothers and sisters in the past and in the present.

Take a close look at sibling relationships--particularly how siblings navigate power, control, and influence and how the relationship affects the development of the individuals involved. While such relationships are both complementary and reciprocal, they transforms rather dramatically: from hierarchical in early and middle childhood, to egalitarian by early adulthood. This issue to examines: the processes and consequences of such dynamic power shifts for our broader understanding of how these relationship dynamics change and develop throughout the life course, how such dynamics may be similar or different cross-culturally, and how they influence the quality of the sibling relationship, as well as the well-being of youth. To do so, the authors present research from each developmental period from early childhood through young adulthood, as well as cross-cultural research, in order to further understanding of the developmental and contextual themes that allow for drawing broader conclusions. This is the 156th volume in this Jossey-Bass series New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development. Its mission is to provide scientific and scholarly presentations on cutting edge issues and concepts in this subject area. Each volume focuses on a specific new direction or research topic and is edited by experts from that field.