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Sibling Conflict Resolution Skills: Assessment and Training

Journal of Child and Family Studies volume 18, pages 447–453 (2009)Cite this article

Abstract

Sibling conflict can rise to the level of a clinical problem. In Phase 1 a lengthy behavioral role-play analog sampling child reactions to normal sibling conflicts was successfully shortened. In Phase 2 normal children who lacked sibling conflict resolution skills were randomly assigned to a Training or Measurement Only condition. Training consisted of five clinic sessions focusing on verbal reasoning, assertiveness, and acceptance skills. Trained children outperformed Measurement Only children on the shortened role-play test. Parents of trained children, but not untrained children, perceived improved social competence in the home. The project provides an empirical foundation for future research with aggressive siblings.

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Acknowledgements

Part of these data were originally presented as posters at the 2002 annual meeting of the Association for the Advancement of Behavior Therapy, Reno NV (Thomas et al. 2002) and the 2006 annual meeting of the Association of Behavior and Cognitive Therapy, Chicago (Thomas and Roberts 2006). A copy of the SCRS III manual that includes all procedural details is available for the cost of reproduction from the senior author upon request (Mark Roberts, Ph.D., Psychology Department, Stop 8112, 921 South 8th Ave., Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209-8112).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mountain States Counseling & Psychological Services, Boise, ID, USA

    Brett W. Thomas

  2. Psychology Department, Idaho State University, Stop 8112, Pocatello, ID, 83209-8112, USA

    Mark W. Roberts

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  1. Brett W. Thomas
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  2. Mark W. Roberts
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Correspondence to Mark W. Roberts.

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Thomas, B.W., Roberts, M.W. Sibling Conflict Resolution Skills: Assessment and Training. J Child Fam Stud 18, 447–453 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-008-9248-4

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