Citation

Stoneman Z, Brody GH, Davis CH, Crapps JM. Res. Dev. Disabil. 1989; 10(1): 61-76.

Affiliation

Department of Child and Family Development, University of Georgia, Athens 30602.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1989, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2928580

Abstract

Older nonhandicapped siblings and same-sex younger mentally retarded siblings (n = 16 sibling pairs) were observed in their homes during toy play, snack, and television-viewing, as were an equal number of comparison sibling pairs, matched for age, gender, and family characteristics. Role relationships between mentally retarded children and older siblings were asymmetrical, with older siblings assuming frequent teacher, manager, and helper roles. Older sisters, in particular, participated in frequent teaching. Amount of interaction between siblings was directly related to the contexts in which they were observed. Nonhandicapped siblings engaged each other more as playmates. Interactional correlates of language and adaptive competencies of the mentally retarded children are presented, as are correlations between the age of the siblings and the roles they assume with each other.

Language: en