Reciprocal and Complementary Sibling Interactions: Relations With Socialization Outcomes in the Kindergarten Classroom

Abstract

Research Findings: In this examination of associations between sibling interaction patterns and later social outcomes in single- and 2-parent families, 113 kindergarteners took part in naturalistic observations at home with siblings, classmates participated in sociometric interviews, and teachers completed behavior ratings. Sibling interactions were coded using a newly developed 39-item checklist, and proportions of complementary and reciprocal sibling interactions were computed. Complementarity occurred more among dyads of kindergartners with toddler or infant siblings than among kindergartners with older or near-age younger siblings. Higher levels of complementarity predicted lower levels of internalizing problems but were not related to externalizing problems. Kindergartners’ sociometric status in the classroom differed as a function of sibling interaction patterns, with neglected and controversial children experiencing less complementarity/more reciprocity than popular, average, and rejected children. Finally, there was some evidence for differential associations of sibling interaction patterns with social outcomes for children in single- versus 2-parent families: Regressions testing interaction effects showed that sibling reciprocity was positively associated with kindergartners’ social skills only in single-parent families, and complementary sibling interactions were positively related to internalizing problems only in 2-parent families. Practice or Policy: Those working with divorcing or other single-parent families might consider sibling interactions as a potential target for social skill building.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This research was conducted with support to the first author from the College of Human Sciences, Oklahoma State University; and with support from Research Grant MH 42498 from the National Institute of Mental Health awarded to the last three authors. This article is based in part on the dissertation of the second author when at the University of Texas.

Notes

Note. TC = target child; SES = socioeconomic status.

^a Based on the four-factor index (Hollingshead, 1975).

Note. TC = target child.

^a Classification generated in the current study.

^a Classification generated in the current study.