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. 2017 Jul-Aug;46(4):521-531.
doi: 10.1016/j.jogn.2017.03.005. Epub 2017 May 18.

Efficacy of Sibling Preparation Classes

Emma E A Beyers-Carlson, Brenda L Volling

Efficacy of Sibling Preparation Classes

Emma E A Beyers-Carlson et al. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 2017 Jul-Aug.

Abstract

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of sibling preparation classes to facilitate the adjustment of a firstborn child to the birth of a sibling.

Design: Longitudinal study with five measurement occasions: third trimester of the mother's pregnancy and 1, 4, 8, and 12 months after the sibling's birth.

Setting: Communities in southeastern Michigan.

Participants: A total of 241 families, including mothers, fathers, and firstborn children.

Methods: Mothers and fathers completed questionnaires to assess changes in children's adjustment. Parents were also asked about their children's attendance at a sibling preparation class focused specifically on preparation for the newborn. Effects of attendance were tested using linear mixed models.

Results: Other than avoidance of the infant, children who attended sibling preparation classes did not differ from children who did not attend.

Conclusion: Sibling preparation classes for adjustment after the birth of an infant sibling had few effects on participants.

Keywords: family relationships; sibling preparation classes; siblings.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure

The authors report no conflict of interest or relevant financial relationships.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Sibling preparation class attendance and time interact to predict change in parents’ reports of their children’s avoidance of the younger sibling from 4 to 12 months.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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