Sibling Aggression and Abuse Research and Advocacy Initiative (SAARA)

Sibling aggression is the most common form of family violence, yet it remains hidden and confused with sibling rivalry. Numerous studies have linked sibling aggression and abuse to worse mental and physical health and problematic interpersonal relationships with parents, peers, and romantic partners.

The Sibling Aggression and Abuse Research and Advocacy Initiative promotes awareness of sibling aggression and abuse and provides guidance on how to prevent and reduce their occurrences. This initiative grows out of calls for increased awareness of sibling victimization given its pervasiveness and harmfulness.

Helping parents manage siblings who fight: Why we need parenting education to address sibling aggression

Sibling aggression is a common parenting challenge, but few resources exist to help parents manage sibling fighting. In this post on Psychology Today, SAARA researchers outline effective and ineffective parental responses to sibling aggression and discuss the need to develop more resources for parents on this topic.  Read More

Sibling aggression and abuse are adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

Sibling aggression and abuse are significant forms of childhood trauma that are linked to negative impacts on mental and physical health. In this post on Psychology Today, SAARA researchers argue that ACE screening inventories should be expanded to include this under-recognized form of family violence.  Read More

Helping practitioners respond to sibling sexual behavior: Addressing the lack of training and clinical resources for these complex cases

Sibling sexual behavior requires a whole-family, child-centered, comprehensive response. In this post on Psychology Today, SAARA researchers partnered with Dr. Sophie King-Hill to introduce her Sibling Sexual Behavior Mapping Tool for practitioners.  Read More