Parent-child relationships, family problems-solving behavior, and sibling relationship quality: the moderating role of sibling temperaments

Child Dev. 1996 Jun;67(3):1289-300.

Abstract

In this study we sought to determine whether sibling temperaments moderated the associations of parent-child relationship quality and family problem-solving behavior with sibling relationship quality. Observational assessments of mother-child and father-child relationship quality, family problem-solving behavior, and sibling relationship quality were obtained from the families of 49 pairs of brothers and 46 pairs of sisters. Mean ages were 10-2 for older siblings and 7-6 for younger siblings. Parent-reported child temperament assessments were also obtained. The links among mother-older child relationship quality, father-older child relationship quality, and sibling relationship quality were moderated by the older sibling's temperament. The younger and older siblings' temperaments moderated the associations between the quality of the father-younger sibling and sibling relationships. The association between family problem-solving behavior and sibling relationship quality was not moderated by sibling temperaments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Gender Identity
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control
  • Male
  • Parent-Child Relations*
  • Parenting / psychology
  • Personality Assessment
  • Personality Development*
  • Problem Solving*
  • Sibling Relations*
  • Temperament*