Not available to order
Publication date:
29 December 2010Length of book:
214 pagesPublisher
Jason Aronson, Inc.ISBN-13: 9780765707345
This book focuses on the role that siblings play in each other's development, on the ways in which they may enrich or cast a shadow over each other's lives, and on how their internalized influence can be recognized and dealt with in the clinical setting. Drawing from observational research and clinical experience, Joyce Edward considers how brothers and sisters, as important attachment figures, may contribute to each other's development of a sound sense of self and to their capacities for establishing satisfying social relationships. Edward also examines how excessive sibling envy, jealousy, and rivalry or physical, sexual or emotional abuse at the hands of a sibling can impede an individual's development and contribute to pathology. Detailed treatment examples demonstrate how essential it is to give siblings a place in the therapeutic situation, to recognize them not only as displacement figures for parents but also as persons who hold an important place in the minds of patients, exerting influence on the way they relate to their mates, their children, their friends, and their therapists.
There is a special warmth about this book perhaps because of the author's style and clarity, perhaps because of the subject matter which is so welcome because of long neglect, perhaps it is because most of us will bring personal recollections to the reading of the volume. In any case this is a most welcome and important book for all who work with people. Relationships between siblings are studied from many perspectives both normal and pathological. The lingering influence of death of a sibling, illness or developmental problems is discussed and case studies are presented to demonstrate treatment implications. This is an important book that belongs in the library of all practitioners and in the reference materials in schools of social work. It is even interesting enough to be read by anyone who has a sibling, as well as those who wish they did.