The Differential Use of Relational Maintenance Behaviors in Adult Sibling Relationships

Abstract

Extending the research conducted to date on adult siblings' use of relational maintenance behaviors, the purpose of this dual study was to examine whether genetically related siblings (i.e., siblings who are identical twins, fraternal twins, full siblings, or half siblings) used relational maintenance behaviors (i.e., positivity, assurances, openness, networks, and tasks) at a higher rate than nongenetically related siblings (i.e., siblings who are stepsiblings or adopted siblings). The first study (N = 411) examined the differences in the frequency of use of relational maintenance behaviors among identical twins, fraternal twins, full siblings, half siblings, stepsiblings, and adopted siblings; the second study (N = 232) examined the differences in the frequency of use of relational maintenance behaviors with both a full sibling and a stepsibling. The results indicated that generally, genetically related siblings use relational maintenance behaviors at a higher rate than less genetically related siblings.

Keywords:

• Genetic Differences
• Relational Maintenance Behaviors
• Sibling Relationships
• Social Differences

Notes

^a Internal reliability estimates are based on Cronbach's alpha.

^b Variables were measured on 7-point scales wherein higher values indicate a greater frequency of use of the relational maintenance behavior.

*p < .001 (two-tailed).

^a Internal reliability estimates are based on Cronbach's alpha.

^b Variables were measured on 7-point scales wherein higher values indicate a greater frequency of use of the relational maintenance behavior.

^c Correlations for full siblings are reported on the top half of the correlation table and correlations for stepsiblings are report on the bottom half.

*p < .05 (two-tailed).

Note. Scores are on a scale of 1 to 7, wherein higher scores indicate a greater frequency of the use of relational maintenance behaviors.

Note. Scores are on a scale of 1 to 7, wherein higher scores indicate a greater frequency of the use of relational maintenance behaviors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alan C. Mikkelson

Alan C. Mikkelson (PhD, Arizona State University, 2006) is an Associate Professor of speech communication at Whitworth University.

Scott A. Myers

Scott A. Myers (PhD, Kent State University, 1995) is a Professor of communication studies at West Virginia University.

Annegret F. Hannawa

Annegret F. Hannawa (PhD, Arizona State University, 2009) is an Assistant Professor of health communication at Wake Forest University.