1-012 - The Impact of Siblings on Problem Behavior among Adolescents

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Integrative Statement

This symposium presents research that investigates sibling relationships, sibling treatment, and sibling physical similarity, and how these factors relate to adolescent problem behavior. Paper one examined the effects of relative and absolute differential treatment from parents on adolescent problem behavior in a multi-level meta-analysis. The authors found that siblings who are favored vs. unfavored engage in less problem behavior, and that on average, differential treatment of siblings is related to siblings engaging in more problem behavior. Paper two investigated associations between sibling hostility and affection and peer aggression across seven years using growth curve modeling. Authors found that, among an ethnically diverse sample, participants high initial levels as well as increases in peer aggression over time were related to later delinquency and depression. Increases in sibling positive affect over time were related to less depression. Paper three investigated the effect of older sibling depressive symptoms on younger sibling depressive symptoms across five years among a Dutch sample using a panel model. The longitudinal effect was not moderated by gender, relationship quality, or age. Paper four examined the effect of siblings’ similarity in pubertal development on similarities in risky behavior using two datasets. The authors found that older sibling risky behavior is a risk factor for younger sibling risky behavior, particularly when there is pubertal maturation congruence
These studies include longitudinal data, diverse samples, and sophisticated data analyses to build upon previous research investigating features of sibling relationships and family development that lead to problem behavior among adolescents.

Sub Unit

• Family Context & Processes

Chair

• Diana Meter, Utah State University

Individual Presentations

• Parents’ Differential Treatment of Siblings, and Child and Adolescent Problem Behavior: A Meta-Analysis - Presenting Author: Alexander C. Jensen, Brigham Young University; Non-Presenting Author: Savannah Kroff, Brigham Young University; Non-Presenting Author: Brittany Pollard, Brigham Young University; Non-Presenting Author: Veronica Hanna-Walker, Brigham Young University; Non-Presenting Author: McKell Jorgensen, Brigham Young University

• Peer and Sibling Aggression Involvement across Adolescence: Effects on Adjustment - Presenting Author: Diana Meter, Utah State University; Non-Presenting Author: Jenna Cassinat, Utah State University; Non-Presenting Author: Shawn D. Whiteman, Utah State University; Non-Presenting Author: Sarah Coyne, Brigham Young University

• Longitudinal Linkages between Older and Younger Sibling Depressive Symptoms and Perceived Sibling Relationship Quality - Presenting Author: Kirsten L. Buist, Utrecht University; Non-Presenting Author: Marloes S. van Tergouw, Utrecht University; Non-Presenting Author: Hans M. Koot, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; Non-Presenting Author: Susan Branje, Utrecht University

• The Role of Congruent Sibling Pubertal Maturation in Similarities of Risky Behavior - Presenting Author: Emily Rolan, Purdue University; Non-Presenting Author: Shawn D. Whiteman, Utah State University; Non-Presenting Author: Kristine Marceau, Purdue University; Non-Presenting Author: Susan M. McHale, The Pennsylvania State University