The Importance of Being Siblings

Abstract

Describes a family intervention method based on the operation of a sibling subsystem within the family structure. The functioning of siblings within the normal family and siblings in therapy is discussed with reference to the concept of developing the "mind of the sibling." Two models of sibling input on the behavior of siblings with psychiatric disorders are illustrated with the case history of 2 adult sisters (aged 18 yrs and 22 yrs) with bulimia-anorexia and anorexia, respectively; and the case history of a suicidal adolescent, who was the 2nd of 6 children. Advantages of therapeutic work with siblings are also considered. (English abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)