Sibling Relationships of Anxious Children: A Preliminary Investigation

Abstract

Examined the sibling relationships of anxious children and nonclinic controls using both self-report and observational coding. Thirty-six clinically anxious and 15 control sibling pairs completed the Sibling Relationship Questionnaire (SRQ) and participated in two 5-min sibling discussion tasks. Discriminant analyses were used to predict group membership using the SRQ factor scores of Warmth/Closeness, Conflict and Status/Power, and the coded dimensions of Warmth, Hostility, Control of Sibling, and Task Maintenance. Compared to control children, the sibling interactions of anxious children were characterized by higher levels of self-reported conflict, more observed control by both children, and less observed warmth from the target child. Findings highlight the need for further research into sibling relationships for anxious children.