Exploring sibling prosocial and aggressive behavior in young people exposed and not exposed to intimate partner violence

Abstract

Background

Prosocial and aggressive behaviors between siblings have typically been studied independently; however, their joint investigation could provide valuable insight into relationship dynamics, particularly for young people exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV).

Objectives

The aims of the present study were: 1) to compare the degree of association and frequency of observed prosocial and aggressive behaviors between siblings who were and were not exposed to IPV; 2) to explore if characteristics of sibling relationships such as warmth and age spacing were significant predictors of prosocial and aggressive behavior in these groups, and 3) to explore if length of exposure moderated these predictors in families affected by IPV.

Methods

Forty-seven mothers of two school-aged siblings with a history of IPV were recruited from the community, along with 45 families without such a history. Unstructured observations of sibling prosocial and aggressive behavior were conducted in a laboratory setting. Siblings reported on warmth in their relationships.

Results

On average, both groups engaged in similar levels of prosocial and aggressive behavior; however, a greater number of siblings exposed to IPV engaged in aggression than unexposed siblings. While older sibling warmth and age spacing were significant positive predictors of prosocial behavior for both groups, length of exposure to IPV moderated these associations for exposed siblings only.

Conclusions

Sibling prosocial behavior was just as frequent in both groups, but aggressive behavior was more common between siblings exposed to IPV. The findings have important implications for interventions targeting siblings.