A–Z Glossary

Coercive cycle

A repeated pattern where one child escalates, the other retaliates, and aggression is unintentionally reinforced.

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Managing sibling relationships

Managing sibling relationships

Why sibling relationships matter Siblings are more than playmates or rivals. They are a developmental context in which children repeatedly rehearse social behavior, observe one another’s coping style, and learn how family power works. Studies of childhood and adolescence suggest that sibling relationships can shape adjustment, behavior, academic functioning, and later relationship skills. A warm […]