Differing Domains of Actual Sibling Conflict Discussions and Associations with Conflict Styles and Relationship Quality

Abstract

Four types of sibling conflict were identified in actual adolescent sibling discussions: equality and fairness, invasion of the personal domain, intrinsic harm, and relationships. Older [M = 14.97, standard deviation (SD) = 1.69 years] and younger siblings (M = 12.20, SD = 1.90 years) from 144 dyads discussed conflicts during a semi‐structured conflict task. Trained observers coded the topics discussed, and separate observers rated their conflict styles, whereas siblings rated their relationship quality. The proportion of conflicts of each domain differed by dyadic gender composition. Equality and fairness conflicts (and invasion of the personal domain conflicts for sister–sister pairs) were discussed the most frequently whereas intrinsic harm conflicts were associated with destructive conflict styles. Siblings' discussions of conflicts involving intrinsic harm were associated with older siblings' reports of negative relationship quality. The associations between these conflict topics and negative relationship quality were mediated by the siblings discussing the conflicts in destructive ways.

Conflict Resolution and Emotional Expression in Sibling and Mother-Adolescent Dyads: Within-Family and Across-Context Similarities

“…Early adolescence is an important developmental period to observe sibling interactions, given the high rates of conflict and the fact that strategies likely change as youths' perspective-taking and emotion regulation abilities continue to advance (Humphrey & Dumontheil, 2016;Morris, Criss, Silk, & Houltberg, 2017). The only observational study of adolescent sibling conflict that we know of supports the idea that destructive sibling conflict alone predicts maladaptive outcomes (Campione-Barr et al, 2014). This highlights the need for further observational research, in order to expand our understanding of the processes involved in destructive and constructive sibling conflict.…”

Investigating dyadic interactions within the family as an interdependent system : associations between mothers and adolescent siblings

“…Specifically, younger siblings disclosing information to their older sibling in the personal domain felt positive about their relationship quality. Furthermore, older siblings of brother-brother dyads disclosing information in the multifaceted domain felt more positive about their sibling relationship quality (Campione-Barr et al, 2014). Interestingly, older adolescents disclosing to younger brothers personal and multifaceted issues, reported less depressive symptoms.…”

“…For disclosure in families, it is important to understand who is being disclosed to and what is being disclosed. Research shows that siblings who disclosed information to one another in particular social cognitive domains, experienced a positive change in their relationship quality (Campione-Barr et al, 2014). Specifically, younger siblings disclosing information to their older sibling in the personal domain felt positive about their relationship quality.…”

“…Additionally, based on the frequency and intensity of sibling conflicts and aggression, siblings are at greater risk of mental health problems (Tucker & Finklehor, 2015). Increases in sibling conflict can be attributed to independent adolescent individuation (Whiteman, McHale, Crouter, 2007;Larson, Richards, Moneta, Holmbeck, & Duckett, 1996), parental differential treatment (Shanhan et al, 2008;McHale, Crouter & Cumsille, 2003), and perceived social domain threats (Turiel, 2002;Smetana et al, 2006;Recchia & Howe, 2010;Campione-Barr et al, 2014).…”

“…Critically, a mechanism and catalyst for this shift is the increase in conflict (e.g. disagreement) between adolescents and other family members (Weymouth, Buehler, Zhou, & Hanson, 2016;Campione-Barr, Greer, Schwab, & Kruse, 2014).…”