Motives for Sibling Communication Across the Lifespan

Abstract

The sibling bond has the distinction of being the most enduring and egalitarian connection of all family relationships. Unfortunately, although siblings play an important role in one another's lives, relatively little is known about the communication that characterizes sibling relationships. This study investigated whether the interpersonal communication motives of siblings vary as a function of age or gender. Survey data was provided by 299 respondents aged 18 to 34, 35 to 49, 50 to 64, and 65+. There were significant differences by both age and gender for several of the communication motives.

Keywords:

• Communication
• Developmental
• Lifespan
• Motives
• Sibling

Notes

Note. 1 = comfort; 2 = control/escape; 3 = intimacy; 4 = obligation; 5 = mutuality.

∗p < .05. ∗∗p < .01. ∗∗∗p < .001.

Note. B–B = brother reporting on brother; S–S = sister reporting on sister; B–S = brother reporting on sister; S–B = sister reporting on brother.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Craig Fowler

Craig Fowler (PhD, Penn State University, 2005) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication at California State University, Fresno.