Jaylene Bettcher EDPS 650

Learning Objectives

Research question

Background information
Ecological perspective Theoretical framework Types of sibling relationships Impact of siblings on social competence
Positive Negative

Clinical implications
Strengths and limitations Future direction Take home message

Research Question

What impact do sibling relationships have on social competence in adolescence?

Agent: siblings Target: social competence Population: adolescents

Background Info

Social competence Adequacy of social functioning, as perceived by peers, friends, parents, teachers (etc.) Sibling Relationships Function as models Predictors of self-esteem and social competence
(Maag, 2006; Tucker et al., 2008)

Ecological Perspective
Family Context
Social economic status Substance use Parental mental health
Limit setting

(Stormshak et al., 2009)

Family Management

Problem solving

Adolescent Social competence

Peer and Sibling Adaptation Positive relationship Conflict Coercion and collusion

Marital satisfaction
Oppression

Cultural context and values

Theoretical Framework

Attachment theory
Internal working model

Cognitive schema theory

Mental schema of relational

expectations

Congruous vs. compensatory

(Milevsky & Levitt, 2005)

Relationship Processes

Sibling identification
Behaviour is learning through observation and

interaction

Sibling deidentification
Behaviours serve as a means to distinguish ones

self from their sibling

Collusion
Inappropriate behaviour is positively reinforced

Coercion
Inappropriate behaviour is negatively reinforced
(Branje et al., 2004; Stormshak et al., 2009)

Positive Outcomes
Positive sibling identification Self regulation Protective factor against mental illness Perceive sibling support

Fewer internalizing and externalizing

problem behaviours
(Branje et al., 2004; Stormshak et al., 2009)

Negative Outcomes

Coercion between siblings

Academic difficulty, aggressive behaviour,

poor social competence (etc.)

Predictor of psychopathology
Severe externalizing behaviours
Substance abuse
(Stormshak et al., 2009)

Clinical Implications

Multilevel family intervention

EcoFIT

Rebuild sibling relationships Reduce exposure Social skills training

(Maag, 2006; Stormshak et al., 2009)

Strengths/Limitations

Strengths
Key predictors of social competence
Considers sibling relationships and social

competence from an ecological perspective

Limitations
Structural variables Direction of effects

Sibling relationships are dynamic

(Stormshak et al., 2009)

Future Directions
Further examination of structural variables Generalizability Dynamics Intervention models

(Stormshak et al., 2009)

Take Home Message

What impact do sibling relationships have on social competence in adolescence?

Ecological perspective Parental relationships, ethnicity, social influences (etc.) Attachment and cognitive schema theory Predict social competence

References

Branje, S. J., Van Lieshout, C. F., Van Aken, M. A., & Haselager, G. J. (2004). Perceived support in sibling relationships and adolescent adjustment. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 45, 1385-1396. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2004.00332.x Kim, J., McHale, S. M., Crouter, A. C., & Osgood, D. W. (2007). Longitudinal linkages between sibling relationships and adjustment from middle childhood through adolescence. Developmental Psychology, 43, 960-973. doi:10.1037/0012-1649.43.4.960 Levitt, M. J., & Milevsky, A. (2005). Sibling support in early adolescence: Buffering and compensation across relationships. European Journal of Developmental Psychology, 2, 299320. doi:10.1080/17405620544000048 Maag, J. W. (2006). Social skills training for students with emotional and behavioral disorders: A review of reviews. Behavioural Disorders, 32, 5-17. Northey, W. F., & Hodgson, J. (2008). Keys to implementing empirically supported therapies. Journal of Family Psychotherapy,19, 50-84. doi:10.1080/08975350801904189 Stormshak, E. A., Bullock, B. M., & Falkenstein, C. A. (2009). Harnessing the power of sibling relationships as a tool for optimizing socialemotional development. In L. Kramer & K. J. Conger (Eds.), Siblings as agents of socialization. New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development, 126, 6177. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Tucker, C. J., McHale, S. M., & Crouter, A. C. (2008). Links between older and younger adolescent siblings adjustment: The moderating role of shared activities. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 32, 152160.

Sibling Love!