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Familial risk and sibling mentalization: Links with preschoolers' internalizing problems
Michelle Rodrigues1, Noam Binnoon-Erez1, Heather Prime1
1Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto.
Summary
Older sibling mentalization acts as a protective factor. It buffers younger siblings against familial risk for internalizing problems, preventing the development of future internalizing symptoms when mentalizing abilities are present.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Child Psychology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Internalizing problems in children are a significant concern.
- Familial risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing internalizing symptoms.
- The role of sibling relationships in child development is increasingly recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if older sibling mentalization moderates the link between familial risk and internalizing problems in younger siblings.
- To examine older sibling's capacity to understand mental states (mentalization) as a potential protective factor.
- To explore the developmental trajectory of internalizing problems in relation to family risk and sibling interaction.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study with 397 older siblings and their younger siblings (target children).
- Assessment of familial risk via older siblings' internalizing problems.
- Observation and coding of older sibling mentalization during pretend-play interactions.
- Measurement of target children's internalizing problems using parent reports at two time points.
Main Results:
- A significant interaction was found between familial risk and older sibling mentalization.
- Familial risk predicted target children's internalizing problems only when older sibling mentalization was low.
- When older siblings demonstrated mentalizing abilities, familial risk was not associated with target children's internalizing problems.
Conclusions:
- Older sibling mentalization serves as a crucial protective factor against the development of internalizing problems.
- Interventions aimed at enhancing sibling mentalization may help mitigate risks associated with familial psychopathology.
- The sibling relationship, specifically the older sibling's mentalizing capacity, plays a vital role in younger sibling's socio-emotional development.
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