Poster #173 - Observed Aggression and Rough-and-Tumble Play in Latinx and Anglo Children’s Sibling Relationships

• In Event: 3-053 - Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: PS 10 Section - Race, Ethnicity, Culture, Context

Integrative Statement

Previous research has found that Latinx parents encourage children to identify with prescribed family roles, while repressing individual needs, goals, and self-determination. Although this set of cultural values has significant implications for sibling relationships, research on Latinx sibling interactions has been strikingly limited. The present study examined aggression and rough-and-tumble play during sibling interactions of Latinx and Anglo children. Because of the importance placed on family harmony and obligations in Latinx culture, we expected that Latinx siblings might show less aggression and RTP than Anglo siblings, particularly considering that Latinx children are taught from an early age to get along with their siblings and to respect each other. This is especially true for older siblings because in Latinx culture, they are expected to set a good example for their younger siblings in all contexts.

Study participants were 32 middle- and lower-class Latinx sibling dyads from the Rochester, NY, and New York City areas. Families were recruited via social networks, such as community organizations, church groups, daycares, and schools. Just over half of the sibling dyads were same sex (n = 22). The sample was fairly heterogeneous in age (2-10 years), ethnicity (Chilean, Guatemalan, Dominican, Mexican, and Puerto Rican), and acculturation status (recent immigrants to third generation participants). A comparison sample of Anglo sibling dyads, matched for age and gender composition, was drawn from an ongoing longitudinal study of sibling and friend interactions. Researchers videotaped sibling dyads in a free-play activity at home, using researcher-supplied toys. The videotapes were transcribed and coded for instances of aggressive behaviors (defined as behaviors with the intent to hurt or bother) and RTP (defined as behaviors that appear aggressive but do not have the intent to hurt or bother). Three different forms of aggression and RTP were coded (relational, physical, and verbal).

Our hypotheses were supported by our data. Latinx sibling dyads showed lower rates of aggressive behavior and much lower rates of RTP than the Anglo sibling dyads across the board. Nearly half of the Latinx sibling dyads showed no RTP at all. However, patterns of gender differences in RTP were similar for Latinx and Anglo dyads, with pairs of brothers producing more RTP than pairs of sisters or mixed-gender pairs. For both Anglo and Latinx dyads, pairs with older brothers had higher rates of aggressive behavior than those with older sisters.
These patterns of ethnic differences and similarities in aggression and RTP highlight differences and similarities between Latinx and Anglo sibling interactions. The lower aggression and RTP rates for Latinx siblings reflect the priority placed on family well-being and on caring for siblings in Latinx culture, promoting positive interactions and emphasizing issues involving joint activity. The differences may reflect cultural differences in the contexts in which aggression and RTP occur, as well as the engagement and intensity of sibling relationships. Similarities in gender differences could indicate commonalities in gender-related social expectations for children in the two cultures.

Authors

• Camila De Vasconcelos, SUNY Geneseo
  Presenting Author

• Vanessa Cepeda, SUNY Geneseo
  Non-Presenting Author

• Xiara Colón, SUNY Geneseo
  Non-Presenting Author

• Denis Mazariegos, SUNY Geneseo
  Non-Presenting Author

• Carmen Martinez, SUNY Geneseo
  Non-Presenting Author

• Brittany Bearss, SUNY Geneseo
  Non-Presenting Author

• Ganie B. DeHart, SUNY Geneseo
  Non-Presenting Author