The Use of Behavioral Indicators of Sibling Commitment Among Emerging Adults

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the role that commitment plays in emerging adult sibling relationships. In the first study, 148 participants provided 436 examples of how they showed sibling commitment that were coded into 11 behavioral indicators of commitment. In the second study, 140 participants indicated the extent to which they used each of the 11 behavioral indicators of commitment with a targeted sibling and completed measures of relational and communication satisfaction in reference to the sibling. Results indicate that (a) siblings behaviorally express their commitment through 11 behaviors: tangible support, emotional support, informational support, esteem support, network support, everyday talk, shared activities, verbal expressions, nonverbal expressions, protection, and intimate play; (b) protection was the most frequently used behavioral indicator of commitment; (c) the behavioral indicators of sibling commitment generally are directly related to relational and communication satisfaction; and (d) the emotional support, network support, and shared activities behavioral indicators are predictors of relational and communication satisfaction.

A version of this manuscript was presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the National Communication Association, San Antonio, TX. The authors would like to thank the editor and the two anonymous reviewers for their constructive feedback.

Notes

¹Participants in Study One were provided with these directions: “According to researchers, commitment is one way in which an individual feels tied or connected to another person and is integral to the success of any close relationship. I am interested in the ways you show your commitment to a sibling, either through verbal statements or nonverbal behaviors. Choose the sibling who is closest in age to you. This sibling can be a biological sibling, a step-sibling, a foster sibling, or an adopted sibling. What are things you do or say to show your commitment to your sibling? Provide three examples.”

²Participants in Study Two were provided with these directions: “For each of the following items, indicate how often you engage in each behavior with the sibling with whom you most recently interacted. Item 1: Providing tangible support refers to providing needed goods or services to your sibling. Examples of providing tangible support include buying your sibling meals, providing transportation, loaning money, buying birthday or holiday gifts, and caring for your sibling when sick. Item 2: Providing emotional support refers to showing caring, concern, and empathy for your sibling. Examples of providing emotional support include being understanding, listening to any problems your sibling has, and supporting the decisions made by your sibling. Item 3: Providing informational support refers to giving advice and providing feedback when asked. Examples of providing informational support include giving your sibling advice about multiple issues, including school, work, and relationships as well as giving your opinion when asked to do so by your sibling. Item 4: Providing esteem support refers to expressing regard for your sibling's skills and value as a person. Examples of providing esteem support include encouraging your sibling, being supportive of your sibling's endeavors, attending events in which your sibling participates, and building your sibling's confidence. Item 5: Providing network support refers to a sense of belongingness that exists between you and your sibling. Examples of providing network support include introducing your sibling to your friends, including your sibling in your social circle of friends, and hanging out with your sibling. Item 6: Engaging in everyday talk refers to communicating with your sibling on a frequent basis. Examples of engaging in everyday talk include talking face-to-face, on the telephone, though e-mail, or through text messaging. Item 7: Engaging in shared activities refers to participating in the same activity, whether the activity is structured or spontaneous. Examples of engaging in shared activities include playing video games, watching television, participating in organized sports leagues, and spending time with each other. Item 8: Engaging in verbal expressions of commitment refers to verbalizing your affection for your sibling. Examples of engaging in verbal expressions of commitment include telling your sibling “I love you” or “I'm glad you're my sibling.” Item 9: Engaging in nonverbal expressions of commitment refers to showing your affection for your sibling through nonverbal behaviors. Examples of engaging in nonverbal expressions of commitment include hugging your sibling, kissing your sibling, and touching your sibling affectionately. Item 10: Being protective refers to looking out for your sibling's best interests. Examples of being protective include defending your sibling when people make comments about him/her, “covering” for your sibling with your parents, and taking your sibling's side in an argument. Item 11: Engaging in intimate play refers to behaving in an anti-social manner with your sibling. Examples of engaging in intimate play include teasing your sibling, joking with your sibling, and fighting with your sibling.”

³This suggestion was offered by one reviewer, which should be considered in future research endeavors.