This book examines the relationship between siblings as one characterized by distinctive emotion and intimacy from infancy onwards, noting that such relationships offer children unique opportunities for learning about self and others and have considerable potential for affecting children's well-being, intimately linked as it is to the relationship each child has with the shared parents. The first part of the book, which consists of the first five chapters, focuses on developmental issues, while the second part, which consists of the last five chapters, deals with clinical concerns considered in the context of their research findings and their practical implications for those in a clinical role. The chapters of the book are as follows: (1) "Sisters and Brothers: Current Issues in Developmental Research" (Judy Dunn); (2) "The Developmental Courses of Sibling and Peer Relationships" (Duane Buhrmester); (3) "Siblings and Their Parents" (Frits Boer and others); (4) "Sibling Caretaking: Providing Emotional Support during Middle Childhood" (Brenda K. Bryant); (5) "Social Norms and the One-Child Family: Clinical and Policy Implications" (Toni Falbo); (6) "Children's Experiences with Disabled and Nondisabled Siblings: Links with Personal Adjustment and Relationship Evaluations" (Susan M. McHale and Vicki S. Harris); (7) "The Brothers and Sisters of Mentally Retarded Children" (Ann Gath); (8) "Siblings as Co-Patients and Co-Therapists in Eating Disorders" (Walter Vandereycken and Ellie Van Vreckem); (9) "Sibling Relationships in Disharmonious Homes: Potential Difficulties and Protective Effects" (Jennifer Jenkins); and (10) "Remembering and Reinterpreting Sibling Bonds" (Stephen Bank). Each chapter includes references. (TJQ)