The relationships among brothers and sisters are infinitely varied, but whatever their characteristics, these bonds last throughout life. This book examines the sibling relationship as a distinctive emotional, passionate, painful, and solacing power. Chapter 1, "Unraveling the Sibling Bond," addresses research on siblings and development of the sibling bond. Chapter 2, "Attachment and Separation in Early Childhood," focuses on parental influence and emotional closeness. Chapter 3, "Childhood and Adolescence: The Struggle for Separate Identities," focuses on social comparisons and intimacy. Chapter 4, "Patterns of Identification and Sibling Relationships," examines siblings' emotional connections, while chapter 5, "Acts of Sacrifice: Loyalty and Caring," focuses on levels of loyalty. Chapter 6, "The Sexual Influence of Siblings," focuses on identity differences and sexual modeling, while chapter 7, "Sexuality between Brothers and Sisters," focuses on curiosity and brother-sister love. Chapter 8, "Siblings in Conflict: Bonds of Aggression and Rivalry," focuses on positive aspects of fighting and sibling aggression, while chapter 9, "The Embroiled Family: 'Well' and 'Disturbed' Siblings," addresses how parents arrange sibling relationships. Chapter 10 "Siblings as Survivors: Bonds beyond the Grave" focuses on ramifications of sibling death. Chapter 11, "Psychotherapy with Siblings," addresses problems for the psychotherapist in assessing sibling issues in therapy. (SD)