SiBS 

The Sisters and Brothers study (SiBS) aims to paint a portrait of ‘ordinary’ family life among a sample of parents and children drawn from the local community. At the first time point, accounts from two children and their resident parents were obtained from each of 173 families. Interviews were completed by assessments made by observers and interactions recorded during various play tasks. The study is unique as it records the perspectives of parents and young children aged from four to eight years old in each family so as to explore how family members get on together; the factors both within and outside the home that affect family life; the role of family relationships in children’s adjustment; and differences between lone-mother and two-parent households.

Key findings from the project are presented in this Joseph Rowntree Foundation Findings report.

The Sisters and Brothers Study was funded by a grant from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. We would also like to thank the schools and families that took part in this research. We are grateful for the time families took to complete questionnaires, to be interviewed & videotaped interacting with one another, and especially for graciously allowing us to visit them in their homes. The research took place at the University of Sussex under the direction of Alison Pike and Judy Dunn, and was first co-ordinated by Anna C. Harrison, followed by Joanne Coldwell. We are thankful for the assistance provided by Naama Atzaba-Poria, Diva DiMartini, Deborah Horney, Christopher Illingworth, Julie Marder, Eva Syngelaki, and Victoria Willard in data collection and videotape coding.

 

KASMS - Kids and ASC; A study with Mothers and Siblings


Zoë Wheeler's doctoral research project KASMS is looking at what it is like for a child to grow up with a brother or sister who has an autism spectrum condition. The outcomes being measured include psychological adjustment (behaviour problems, getting along with other children, anxiety or depression), autistic-like traits, and the quality of the sibling relationship, both positive, e.g. co-operation and negative e.g. jealousy) between the children in the family.There is growing concern over the welfare of siblings of children with disabilities, particularly in the case of autism. Research into the area is needed to identify not just negative outcomes but also buffering factors that may protect against any negative outcomes. Zoë is still looking for families within the Sussex area who would like to take part by completing a questionnaire. The study has been approved by the University of Sussex ethics board. If you are interested in taking part then please email Zoë and you will be contacted with more details.


 

VERA 

Values, Experiences, and Relationships in Adolescence is a   cross-sectional study of adolescents and their families, aiming to investigate shared and nonshared correlates of adolescent siblings' values. Relationship quality with parents, siblings, close friends, and experiences in early romantic relationships were assessed from more than 200 sibling pairs and their mothers. VERA is Tina Kretschmer's doctoral research project and took place mainly at Park College in Eastbourne.