Description: In this session, participants will learn that sibling aggression is the most common form of family violence, but it is often minimized or dismissed. The first part of the session will focus on knowledge building. Participants will learn about four types of sibling aggression and abuse: physical, psychological, property, and sexual. A classification of sibling dynamics will be presented, distinguishing sibling rivalry and conflict from sibling aggression and abuse. Research will be presented showing that despite being viewed as harmless, sibling aggression is associated with negative impacts on mental and physical health and interpersonal relationships across the lifespan—and should be considered an adverse childhood experience. The second part of the session will focus on screening, intervention, and treatment. Strategies to help manage sibling conflict, aggression, and abuse will be reviewed. Case examples and excerpts from survivor narratives will be infused throughout the presentation.
Learning objectives:
- Participants will learn about the prevalence of sibling aggression and abuse, variation in experiences among diverse groups, and impacts on mental and physical health and interpersonal relationships across the lifespan.
- Participants will be able to explain cultural and institutional factors that make it difficult for children, parents, and professionals to recognize and respond to sibling aggression and abuse.
- Participants will learn best practices to detect, address, and prevent sibling aggression and abuse to protect children and help survivors heal.