Sibling dynamics in the context of parental child maltreatment: A theoretical model grounded in data

Abstract

This article presents and discusses a theoretical model grounded in data regarding sibling dynamics in the context of parental child maltreatment. The model aimed to explain the process by which parental maltreatment shaped the siblings' dynamics while following the process from childhood to adulthood. The model is based on the triangulated analysis of three samples: 120 forensic interviews with maltreated children, 83 interviews with adults who experienced maltreatment in childhood, and 48 interviews with professionals. The theoretical model presents key concepts for sibling dynamics: sibling camaraderie, sibling abuse, parentified sibling, and sibling cut-off. In addition, the overlap and movements within and between these concepts are discussed, as well as contexts that might explain the model.