NCJ Number
189774
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 16 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2001 Pages: 255-268
Date Published
September 2001
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This article investigates the retrospective recall of physical aggression and sexual behavior among siblings.
Abstract
Two hundred and three undergraduate students at a large urban university in the south participated in this study. They described behaviors between themselves and siblings in the family, their estimation of the appropriateness of the behavior, and their current relationship with their siblings. Additionally, participants completed measures of family structure and stress. Results indicated that rates of physical aggression among siblings were high, with varying severity. Rates of sexual behavior were lower. For both physical and sexual behaviors, participants were more likely to believe that the behaviors were abusive in retrospect than when they actually occurred. No differences were found in family structure among abusive and nonabusive siblings, but siblings who reported physical or sexual behaviors also reported higher levels of intrafamilial stress. The results of this study suggested that stress within the family may predispose siblings to engage in either physically aggressive or sexual behaviors. Moreover, particular types of stressors may predict particular types of sibling interactions. Specifically, financial/business strains and illnesses were significantly correlated with physical aggression but not with sexual behavior among siblings. On the other hand, marital strains and losses predicted sexual behavior but not physical aggression. 4 tables and 33 references.