The central role of sibling relationships in the lives of individuals and families suggests that sibling relationships offer a context for untangling (or not) issues among parents, siblings, and other family members. Broadly speaking, sibling relationships are one of the earliest forms of peer relationships. Despite the primacy of the parent–child relationship, sibling relationships are longer lasting. Consequently, as siblings mature, there is an ongoing opportunity to examine the relationship as an unfolding life experience. With this as background, the articles in this issue provide an understanding of sibling relationship influences with insights for research, practice, and policy.

Family Focus

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• Overview and Introduction: Sibling Interactions and Family Dynamics—Joyce Serido, Ph.D., Professor Emerita, Family Focus Editor
• Only Child to Older Sibling: Reframing the Transition to Siblinghood From Crisis to Resilience—Brenda L. Volling, Ph.D.
• The Transformative Roles of Siblings Across the Lifespan—Dan Erickson, Ph.D., CFLE
• Implications of Continuity and Changes of Sibling Relationships Across the Lifespan—Jeenkyoung Lee, M.A.; Megan Gilligan, Ph.D.; Tricia K. Neppl, Ph.D.; and Olivia N. Diggs, Ph.D.
• Adult Siblings and Cutoffs—Clara Gerhardt, Ph.D., CFLE
• The Role of Sibling Interactions in Facilitating Higher Education Access in Cambodia—Sothy Eng, Ph.D.; and Miriam Mulsow, Ph.D.
• Understanding Sibling Interactions and Family Dynamics in Immigrant Families: The Role of Acculturation Theory—Samuel Adjei-Boadi, Ed.S., CFLE-P, doctoral candidate
• Navigating Support and Strain: Dynamics and Well-Being Among Sexual and Gender Minority Siblings—Somayeh Naderi, M.S., doctoral student; and Olivia Powell, M.S., doctoral student
• Sibling Relationships and Special Health Care Needs: Considering Context, Loss, and Resilience—Luke T. Russell, Ph.D., CFLE; Meg Sulak, undergraduate student; Halie T. Castillo, B.S., graduate student; Sierra L. Smith, B.S., graduate student; and Bailey R. Brower, B.S., graduate student
• Supporting Sibling Caregivers Through Policy Action—Tiffany Banks, Ph.D.; Lindsey DeVries, Ph.D.; Mamta Saxena, Ph.D.; GracieLee Weaver, Ph.D.; and Emma Gregory, M.A.
• The Puzzling Neglect of Siblings: An Untapped Potential for Prevention Programs—Kimberly A. Updegraff, Ph.D.

Family Focus PDF (members only)

News and Updates

• Best of Family Focus, 2020-2024: Every five years, a Best of Family Focus issue is released. The winter 2025 issue of Family Focus will feature a curated selection of articles published between spring 2020 and winter 2024 that are as relevant today as the time when they were first published. Note that the Teaching Family Science: In the Classroom and Beyond issue will be published in spring 2026.