Investigation of the variables which are associated with sibling abuse

Siblings usually tease and fight with each other and this conflict is accepted as developmentally normal. However sibling abuse that is different from sibling conflict has the devastating effects on victims. Therefore it is necessary to investigate the predictors of sibling abuse. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of sibling abuse and to examine individual, familiar and environmental predictors of sibling abuse in Turkey. 1105 participants who were between the ages of 12 and 18 attended this study. The schools were visited after obtaining necessary permissions from İzmir Directorate Education by the researcher and participation in the study was based on volunteerism. Participants were asked to complete a number of questionnaires including an altered version of the original Conflict Tactics Scale, Personel Information Form, Harsh Parenting Scale, The Conflict Tactics Scale Adapted for the Italian Youngsters, Sibling Relationship Scale, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale. For the data analysis, the statistical analysis like T-test, Two-way analysis and regression were used. Findings show that girls have higher victim scores than boys. Participants witnessing family violence have higher victim scores. In the light of literature, the findings of this research were discussed in relation to similar studies. Key words: sibling abuse, family violence, risk factor.