Preschool Sibling Interaction in Separated and Married Families: Are Same-sex Pairs or Older Sisters More Sociable?

Abstract

Two factors have been associated with the quality of sibling relationships : the sex of the children and their family circumstances. Yet the data on each issue are complex. This study examines the sex constellations of sibling pairs in two groups, one of which had experienced a major family disruption (parental separation), with the aim of assessing both influences more fully. Two 1-hour home observations were conducted on 20 preschool sibling dyads of separated parents and 24 pairs in which the parents were married. In both groups the sex configuration of the sibling pairs was important-same-sex pairs seemed to show closer patterns of interaction, and sister-sister dyads were particularly prosocial. These results suggests that previous research showing that older sisters or same-sex pairs interact more are both partly correct. In addition, preschoolers from separated families interacted more. The results suggest that negative life experiences might promote greater closeness between siblings.

Do siblings influence one another? Unpacking processes that occur during sibling conflict

“…In line with our hypothesis, we found younger sisters were more constructive than younger brothers and showed the highest level of constructiveness in sistersister dyads compared to the older brother-younger brother reference category. These findings are consistent with previous literature which highlight sisters as positive interaction partners (Buhrmester & Furman, 1990;Dunn et al, 1999) especially when the younger sibling is a girl (Kier & Lewis, 1998). Girls begin to exhibit prosocial behaviors at younger ages compared to boys (Baillargeon et al, 2011).…”

“…Girls tend to exhibit higher prosocial skills (i.e., warmth, nurturance, perspective taking) and boys tend to show more aggressive and oppositional behaviors during conflict with siblings (Abramovitch et al, 1980;Brody et al, 1985). Older sisters have been shown to be especially positive interaction partners (Buhrmester & Furman, 1990;Dunn et al, 1999) especially when their younger sibling is a girl (Kier & Lewis, 1998). In contrast, boys have been found to have more conflict with their siblings and are more likely to engage in destructive conflict resolution strategies (i.e., physical aggression) (Brody et al, 1985).…”