| Maltreated children are at substantially increased risk within multiple domains of development, including behavioral, emotional, and social outcomes. Past research suggests that different maltreatment types (e.g., physical abuse, neglect, and domestic violence) have different implications for child development. Children who have been physically abused and/or have witnessed domestic violence have higher rates of externalizing symptoms than neglected children, while children who have been neglected exhibit higher rates of internalizing symptoms than physically abused children. Internalizing and externalizing symptomology, in turn, threaten the quality and integrity of childhood relationships. Past research also suggests that peer relationship outcomes vary depending on child maltreatment history. Children who have been physically abused and/or have witnessed domestic violence are more likely to engage in aggressive behaviors with peers, while neglected children are more likely to withdraw from social interaction. However, the vast majority of these studies rely on peer interactions to draw broad conclusions regarding social relationship outcomes among maltreated children, failing to recognize the importance of sibling relationships. Sibling relationships are a foundational social relationship, as well as a source of affection, nurturance, and support. This study sought to better understand sibling relationships within an understudied population of maltreated children in foster care. This study examined the mediating effect of child symptomology on the relationship between maltreatment type and sibling relationship quality. Mediating models were not statistically significant, efforts were made to explore the descriptive factors (i.e., gender and age) linked to child symptomology and sibling relationship quality. These findings are understood through a discussion of maltreatment (both methodological and conceptual issues) and sibling relationship quality (both methodological and resiliency outcomes). Limitations, recommendations for future research, and clinical implications are also discussed. |
