That is the question. Adulthood brings with it many new ideas and experiences far different from what occurs in childhood; adult sibling relationships during are no exception. Yesteryear seems overstuffed with memories like sibling snowball fights, pouting in jealousy at a sisters Christmas present, or commandeering a pile of snow to build a family snow fort. While gallivanting around the house may be a thing of the past, sibling relationships during adulthood are still as significant as they were in the starting years of toddlerhood. Investing in these childhood-established adult relationships throughout one’s life is associated with emotional, psychological, and social health.
Research indicates five adult sibling relationship types—intimate, congenial, loyal, apathetic, and hostile (Gold, 1989). Each type contains variables like closeness, envy, resentment, approval, and sibling involvement. Christmas season seems to shine a bright light on the true state of family relationships often revealing the presence of many positive or negative qualities. Investing in family relationships, especially with siblings, encourages psychological closeness and emotional interdependence. Additionally, quality sibling relationships are associated with holistic social wellness such as in the community and workplace (Kramer & Kowal, 2005). Maintaining sibling relationships through adulthood can be difficult or awkward, but may also produce improved lifestyles for all siblings. Besides the innate benefit of a experiencing quality relationships within a family, going beyond just being a sibling and refining the relationship may produce a wide range of personal and relational benefits. When the holiday happiness transforms into seasonal grumpiness, remember the qualities of an intimate relationship and the rich benefits found in pursuing deeper, more meaningful sibling connections.
Gold, D. T. (1989). Sibling relationships in old age: a typology. International Journal of Aging and Human development, 28(1), 37-51.
Kramer, L., & Kowal, A. K. (2005). Sibling relationship quality from birth to adolescence: the enduring contributions of friends. Journal of Family Psychology, 19(4), 503-511. doi: 10.1037/0893-3200.19.4.503
Comments