Interdependent Siblings: Associations between Closest and Least Close Sibling Social Support and Sibling Relationship Satisfaction

ABSTRACT

Sibling relationships are typically long-lasting, providing opportunities for critical social support throughout a lifetime. This study examined how perceptions of sibling support differ for closest and least close sibling relationships, and how support in one sibling relationship can be associated with satisfaction in the other. Adults with at least two siblings answered questions about closest and least close sibling support and relationship satisfaction. Multilevel modeling results indicated that support in one sibling relationship is associated with relationship satisfaction in another sibling relationship. The types of support that contributed to relationship satisfaction differed for the closest and least close sibling but communicated support availability was important to both types of relationships. Implications for understanding sibling triad dynamics are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Family
• communicated support availability
• sibling dynamics
• interdependence
• quantitative methods
• crossover

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Elizabeth Dorrance Hall

Elizabeth Dorrance Hall (PhD, Purdue University) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication and Director of the Family Communication and Relationships Lab at Michigan State University. Her research focuses on difficult conversations and family distancing.

Samantha J. Shebib

Samantha J. Shebib (MS, Illinois State University) is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Communication at Michigan State University. Her research focuses on interpersonal concepts from conflict in relationships to social support.