For the sake of clarity, we provide definitions of the range of aggressive acts that characterize sibling aggression and abuse.
Aggression:
Mild physical aggression: hit, beaten, or attacked without an object and no injury resulted
Property aggression forcible taking, items stolen, vandalism.
Psychological aggression: child felt bad or scared because he/she was called names, told mean things, or told the sibling/peer did not want him/her around.
Severe physical aggression: hit, beaten, or attacked with an object and/or injury resulted.
Abuse:
Abuse: an ongoing pattern of aggression by a sibling with more power that causes evident harm or a strong likelihood of harm.
Sexual abuse: sexual activities with a sibling that are unwanted or involve a considerable developmental or age difference.
