Self-representations in Early Adolescence: Variations in Sibling Similarity by Sex Composition and Sibling Relationship Qualities

Abstract

Self-representations play an important role in adolescent development. This study compared self-representations for siblings and explored whether sibling relationship characteristics are associated with similarities or differences in sibling self-concepts. We examined self-representations of 438 adolescent sibling dyads (M age younger sibling = 11.6 years, M age older = 14.3 years), finding that siblings are, on average, similar in their self-representations. This similarity varied, however, depending on sex composition and sibling relationship qualities. Results indicated that sibling modeling, warmth, and conflict were especially influential in predicting sibling resemblance vs. dissimilarity.

Considerations of elder sibling closeness in predicting younger sibling substance use: Social learning versus social bonding explanations.

“…When defining closeness independent of a shared peer network, there is some evidence that closeness and warmth may moderate sibling similarity in outcomes we typically think of as positive, such as global self-worth (Gamble et al, 2010). For example, using a measure similar to the one used in this study, Gamble and colleagues found that the warmer the sibling relationship, the greater sibling similarity in high self-worth, supporting anaclitic identification.…”

“…Indeed, there is increasing support for the concept of anaclitic identification; close and warm relationships with siblings have been associated with greater sibling similarity, and lower warmth has been associated with less similarity in adjustment outcomes (Gamble et al, 2010; McHale et al, 2009; Rende, Slomkowski, Lloyd-Richardson, & Niaura, 2005; Rowe & Gulley, 1992). For example, Slomkowski et al (2005) found that when siblings were high in social connection (i.e., when they spent a lot of time together, had strong affection for each other, and had mutual friends), they were more likely to be similar in their tobacco use.…”

“…A review of the literature reveals a clear effect of sibling similarity in a variety of adolescent adjustment outcomes. For example, there is evidence that siblings are similar in risky sexual attitudes and behaviors (McHale, Bissell, & Kim, 2009), tobacco use (Slomkowski, Rende, Novak, Lloyd-Richardson, & Niaura, 2005), academic achievement and substance use (McGue & Iacono, 2009), externalizing behaviors and delinquency (Rowe, Rodgers, & Meseck-Bushey, 1992), and self representations (Gamble, Yu, & Card, 2010). Following basic social learning principles, evidence is beginning to point to stronger sibling similarity when siblings are the same gender, close in age, and, to a lesser extent, when they are genetically similar (McGue & Iacono, 2009; McHale et al, 2009; Rowe & Gulley, 1992).…”

Self-Esteem in Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence: a Critical Review of the Role of Sibling Relationships and Agenda for Future Research

“…Research has found significant similarities in self-esteem rank order and self-esteem mean levels between siblings (Gamble et al 2011), with some studies showing that sibling relationship quality influences the degree of similarity between siblings' self-esteem. For example, Gamble et al (2010) found that greater warmth between siblings is linked to greater similarity in their self-perceptions, while conflict is related to greater dissimilarity (Gamble et al 2010). Others have found that warm and supportive sibling relationships in childhood and adolescence are related to higher self-esteem, demonstrating that siblings provide support and companionship across the life span (Sherman et al 2006).…”

Adolescent Siblings’ Suicide Ideation

“…In families in which one sibling reports thoughts of suicide and the other sibling does not, such an occurrence may reflect evidence of sibling de-identification. Several studies document sibling de-identification on a number of psychological characteristics (e.g., Feinberg & Hetherington, 2000) such as self-concept (Gamble, Yu, & Card, 2009) and gender role orientation (McHale, Updegraff, Helms-Erikson, & Crouter, 2001). The possible connection between de-identification and suicide ideation has never been explored.…”