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The Dynamics of Sibling Relations in Adolescent Development: Understanding the Protective and Risk Factors

2015; Volume: 6; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

2321-368X

Aneesh Kumar, Shinto Thomas, Sibnath Deb,

Child Development and Digital Technology

Sibling relationships are vital in individual and family life. The importance of brothers and in one's life should not be underestimated. Not only they are likely to be one's longest lasting relationships, but they can also have a powerful impact on personality and development. The sibling relationship is one of the most enduring relationships during an individual's life span, starting at birth and continuing until death (Noller, 2005). But this relationship remains less explored by the researchers and professionals (Sanders, 2004, Thomas, Phillips, & Gunther, 2013). Ward (1984) points out that sibling bonds are often particularly strong when parenting is not effective. In some cases attachments to brothers and can be stronger than those to parents. The increase in the number of nuclear families and the reduction in the number of children in the family have increased the importance of research in this area (Sanders, 2004, Thomas, Phillips, & Gunther, 2013).Sibling relationship has great importance in childhood as, there the siblings even though compete for attention they become supportive friends and role models too. The nature of sibling relationship in childhood plays a significant role in the development of peer group relationship, way of communication, level of self esteem and self confidence etc. in adolescent age and even it persist in later stages of life too (Soli, McHale, & Feinberg, 2009).Since the adolescents are striving to create their own space in family and society, and trying to make an independent existence, they may become more detached from parents and more attached to the peer group. The nature and type of the peer group would have significant importance in this endeavour. Early childhood experiences, attachment styles and relations with significant people especially parents and siblings would predispose an adolescent to be vulnerable. In most cases sibling relations are extended to socialization and relationship styles as well as peer group selection and interaction. Siblings may even act as a substitute to peer group where the age gap is less and the quality of relationship is congenial. Siblings may also take up strong and influential role models or care givers.Objective of the studyThe broad objective of the present secondary research-based article was to understand the dynamics of sibling relations and its impact on adolescent's life.Nature of sibling relationshipsKim, McHale, Crouter, & Osgood (2007) noted sisters and brothers can promote positive adjustment when they model and reinforce positive social behaviours and serve as sources of social support, but conflict and negativity' can give rise to adjustment problems through observational learning and reinforcement of deviant behaviour. Sanders extracted four sub themes on sibling relationships from folklore, myths, and literature.* Siblings as allies (Maya Angelou andher brother Bailey)* Siblings as rivals (Cain andAbel)* Differentness of siblings (Cinderella andher sisters)* Sibling relationships in families of all brothers or all (BrothersKaramazov, Little Women).All these different forms of relationships create different impacts on the development of the child (Bemdt & Bulleit, 1985). Some forms will be enriching and cherishing while others give rise to adjustment problems and tensions (Brody, 1998). All these above mentioned forms of sibling relationships take place through three different forms between brother to brother, between brother to sister, andbetween sister to sister.Thefactors affecting sibling relationsSibling relationships develop within a family system. Gender (Eder, 1995), birth order, family size, and age differences between siblings has an impact on the nature and the quality of sibling relationship. Parenting and parentchild relationships have impact on quality' of sibling relationship (Dolgin & Lindsay, 1999; Lee, Mancini, & Maxwell, 1990; Newman, 1991; Pulakos, 1987, 1990). …