The Relationship Between Sibling Maltreatment and College Students' Sense of Well‐Being

Abstract

Empirical research on sibling abuse has been overwhelmingly absent from the professional literature. This exploratory study used a survey instrument to investigate the question of whether the experience of sibling abuse influences the sense of well-being in college students. A linear multiple regression analysis indicated that experience with sibling abuse, either as a survivor or as a perpetrator, does have an impact on perception of well-being. Implications of these findings for future research are discussed.

Parental and Others’ Responses to Physical Sibling Violence: a Descriptive Analysis of Victims’ Retrospective Accounts

“…Failing to label such behaviors as abuse has contributed to the minimization of sibling violence (Hardy 2001;Hardy et al 2010). Additionally, as other literature has documented, when families do not properly address sibling abuse, it may be allowed to continue for years (Bass et al 2006;Carlson et al 2006;Morrill-Richards and Leierer 2010;Rudd and Herzberger 1999). Our participants largely felt left to fend for themselves against a violent sibling.…”

“…Our participants largely felt left to fend for themselves against a violent sibling. This meant that the abuse lasted for an average of 13 years, and such longterm abuse has been associated with serious mental health consequences (Button and Gealt 2010;Eriksen and Jensen 2006;Morrill-Richards and Leierer 2010;Noland et al 2004;Rudd and Herzberger 1999). Furthermore, it has been shown that sibling abuse victims are traumatized when others, particularly parents, are ineffective in protecting them, especially when they do not take the abuse seriously (Bass et al 2006;McVeigh 2003;Tucker and Kazura 2013).…”

“…First, professionals should not minimize sibling abuse; it can be as harmful as other forms of family violence and should be treated as such (Button and Gealt 2010;Eriksen and Jensen 2006;Morrill-Richards and Leierer 2010;Noland et al 2004;Rudd and Herzberger 1999). Second, it is important to develop strategies for parents to recognize and properly address sibling abuse.…”

“…Scholars have found that experiencing parent-tochild violence (Button and Gealt 2010;Eriksen and Jensen 2006;Noland et al 2004, parental marital discord (Eriksen and Jensen 2006), familial financial and legal stressors (Hardy 2001), and witnessing violence in the home (Button and Gealt 2010) all increase the likelihood that one will also be a victim of sibling violence. Sibling abuse is particularly troubling because it can be frequent and last for years (Bass et al 2006;Carlson et al 2006;Morrill-Richards and Leierer 2010;Rudd and Herzberger 1999). Such prolonged exposure has significant consequences for victims' well-being, as the effects of sibling abuse can last well into adulthood.…”

“…Such prolonged exposure has significant consequences for victims' well-being, as the effects of sibling abuse can last well into adulthood. Depression, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, dating and domestic violence, bullying, and developing a low sense of wellbeing have been documented as harmful effects of sibling abuse (Button and Gealt 2010;Eriksen and Jensen 2006;Morrill-Richards and Leierer 2010;Noland et al 2004;Rudd and Herzberger 1999).…”