Psy 437: Siblings and Extended Family

Explain how ecological theory relates to families

the Bronfenbrenner model explains the social circle of the child based on their proximity and relationship with said people

Distinguish between first, second, and third order intrafamily influence

First order: individual ↔ individual

Individuals influence, and are influenced by, other individuals

Second order: relationship ↔ individual

The relationship between two individuals influences and is influenced by

individuals in the family

Third order: relationship ↔ relationship

The relationship between two individuals influences and is influenced by another relationship between two individuals within the family

Explain impacts of factors that affect the family system

• size: increasing in size would mean more first order relationships

• time: increasing in family members meaning less time spending with others because of the other relationships to maintain

Identify characteristics of each of the 5 stages of sibling relationships

stage 1: birth of their sibling

> first born reaction

> family dynamic changes

> what helps is involving the first-born and encourage child play time

stage 2: growing up together

> more positive response

> “playmates”

stage 3: relationship on adolescence:

> higher variance in relationships

> conflict (most likely about space)

stage 4: relationship in adulthood

> high degree of change

> less contact, but distance effect

> keep previous level of emotional closeness

stage 5:

> continuing of relationship

> parental caregiving

Identify the different types of sibling relationship types

caregiver: older siblings takes on caregiving responsibilities of the younger siblings

buddy: very similar to friendship

critical: high conflict (definitive aspect of the relationship)

rival: competition like relationship

casual: lack of closeness

Explain what affects views of parental differential treatment

• age-related

• fairness

• no preferential treatment

Identify ways in which siblings have an impact on the other’s development

it can help people develop conflict solving solutions by:

• perspective taking

• emotional understanding of the other person

• negotiation

• problem-solving

Explain trends related to grandparenting and grandchildren

• increasing in numbers

• age 65+: 80 to 90% are grandparents

• ~ half are also great grandparents

• less grandchildren per grandparent

• grandparents can provide a secondary attachment that can provide some experiences that parents can’t always prov such as

• > money

• > time

• grandparents have a more positive attitude towards old age which influences the grandchildren

Identify examples of the different grandparent roles

historian: cultural background influence; belongingness of where the family comes from

mentor: teachers about life skills and lessons

role model: demonstrating life skills and lessons

wizard: fascinating stories in their past/storyteller

nurturer: emotional support system

Explain how grandparent role changes for adolescents

during adolescence grandparents are seen more as confidants with their grandchildren which generates more frequent contact and closeness with their grandchildren

Identify examples of the Cherlin & Furstenberg interaction
types

• remote: grandparents live further away, not much interaction with grandkids

• companionate: more interaction with grandkids; fairly involved with their lives

• involved: day to day interaction with grandkids; caregiver role

Explain factors related to grandparents’ legal authority over grandchildren

• caretakers

• > medical treatment

• > enrolling in school

• > financial assistance (foster: varies by state)

• grandparent rights

• > visitation

• > custody (best interest of child standard)