Sibling Violence and Position in Sibling Dyad in a Sample of Adolescents: How Does It Relate to Self-Esteem?

Abstract

(1) Background: Research regarding sibling violence is still scarce, although it is the most common type of intrafamily violence. Every sibling’s position in the sibling dyad seems to influence this type of violent conduct since every status has its characteristics. Siblings involved in aggressive behavior seem to be described as having low self-esteem. This study intends to test the predictive effect of self-esteem, sibling position and sex on sibling violence development. (2) Method: The sample consists of 286 students, aged between 12 and 17 years, from both sexes. A social demographic questionnaire and the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales—the Portuguese Sibling Version (CTS2-SP) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were used for data collection. (3) Results: The results show an association between self-esteem in sibling violence, as well as an association between sibling position on negotiation and sexual coercion’s perpetration and victimization. Sex also predicts the negotiation of psychological aggression’s perpetration and psychological and physical aggression’s victimization. (4) Discussion: the results will be discussed according to the attachment theory, considering the importance of affective bonds with siblings as adaptive development facilitators.

Sibling Violence and Bullying Behaviors in Peers: The Mediational Role of Self-Esteem

“…In this sense, negotiation, defined as a strategy of solution orientation, occurs when conflicts are resolved in mutually satisfying ways that reflect concern for the relationship [85], denoting the concern for oneself and the other, contributing to high self-esteem. This result has already been corroborated in the same sample in a more extensive study, so self-esteem seems to promote an increase in negotiation strategies in sibling violence, whether from the point of view of the victim or even the perpetrator [69]. Conversely, social problems with siblings have been linked to difficulties in emotional regulation [86], which can lead to low self-esteem.…”

“…Previous studies carried out with a similar sample and involving a broader analysis have already discussed the role of self-esteem and its relationship with violence between siblings from the perspective of both the victim and the perpetrator. Self-esteem is a protector against psychological aggression, physical assault, and injury, both for the victim and in the perpetrator [69]. As mentioned earlier, the results of a study conducted by Tucker et al (2019) [90] suggest that being a sibling victim leaves children and adolescents vulnerable to peer victimization.…”

“…Studies suggest that high self-esteem is associated with lower bullying behaviors among siblings [50] and between peers [64,65]. In fact, in an earlier study with the same data, it was found that self-esteem was positively associated with the use of negotiation to solve sibling conflicts and negatively associated with psychological aggression, physical assault, and injury concerning both the perpetration and victimization of sibling violence [69]. In the same study, it was also verified that females showed a greater predisposition to establish conversations with their siblings when compared with males.…”

“…Age and dyad position influence sibling conflict resolution. Mota et al (2023) [69] found significant differences in physical assault regarding the position in the sibling dyad. The middle siblings, as victims, were more often involved in acts of physical assault when compared with other positions (youngest or oldest).…”

“…This study used data from a larger project that focuses on sibling violence, self-esteem, and bullying behaviors in adolescents while also analyzing sociodemographic variables. Detailed methodology descriptions can be found elsewhere [69]. In the present study, which is concerned with victimization, aggression, and bullying behavior, a sub-sample of 286 adolescents aged between 12 and 17 years participated (M = 13.55; SD = 1.12).…”