Longitudinal Associations Between Adult Relations with Intimate Partners and Siblings

Abstract

Objective Drawing on a relational developmental systems approach, this brief report examines spillover and compensation processes in self‐disclosure and conflict in adult relations with intimate partners and siblings. Background Although some studies have examined links between sibling and partner relationships during adolescence, no research has examined the link between dynamics with siblings and intimate partners in adulthood. Method This study draws on longitudinal survey data from 1,709 individuals participating in the German Family Panel (pairfam) study and latent change score modeling to answer the research questions. Results Several associations supported the spillover hypothesis: those with more self‐disclosure or conflict with their partner also tended to report more self‐disclosure or conflict with their sibling at baseline and those who experienced intraindividual reductions in self‐disclosure and conflict in one relationship over time also experienced concurrent intraindividual reductions in self‐disclosure and conflict in the other relationship. Those with higher initial levels of conflict with their partner also experienced a more gradual decrease in sibling conflicts across time. Two findings provided evidence of compensatory processes: those who reported more frequent conflicts with their partner at baseline also reported higher concurrent self‐disclosure with their sibling and those experiencing increased conflict with a partner experienced steeper declines in future sibling conflict. Conclusion These findings underscore the importance of considering spillover and compensation in adult relationships with siblings and intimate partners.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the associations between interparental and sibling relationships: Positive or negative?

“…A meta-analysis found a significant association between interparental conflict and dysfunctional parenting behaviors, with strongest effect sizes regarding harsh discipline and parental acceptance [ 19 ]. Similar to the present work, a recent study [ 88 ] examined spillover and compensation processes in adult relationships with intimate partners and siblings. The results supported the spillover hypothesis in general, as individuals with more self-disclosure or conflict with their partners also tended to report more self-disclosure or conflict with their siblings.…”

The role of interparental relationship variability in parent–child interactions: Results from a sample of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder and mothers with neurotypical children

“…In this sense, if a mother is in a relationship characterized by a high overall degree of negativity, fluctuations may be welcome, and provide windows of opportunity for the mother to interact with their child or children in a positive manner. One other possibility is that these findings can be explained by compensatory processes, whereby individuals attempt to offset challenges in one familial relationship by creating positive experiences in another one (Erel & Burman, 1995; Johnson et al, 2021). That is, when parents report negative relational experiences at the mean level as well as a high degree of variability, they may report better interactions with their child because they actively work to cultivate positive parent–child interactions in order to compensate for volatility in the interparental relationship.…”

Sibling Relationships in Adolescence and Young Adulthood in Multiple Contexts: A Critical Review

“…Additionally, more research is needed on links between sibling relationships and peer relationships. Particular attention should be paid to connections between relationships with romantic partners and relationships with siblings in young adulthood (Johnson et al, 2021).…”

“…A little more attention has been given to connections between sibling relationships and romantic relationships during young adulthood. Closeness with a sibling is linked to closeness with a romantic partner (Sommantico, Donizzetti, Parrello, & De Rosa, 2019), and sibling conflict is linked to conflict with a romantic partner (Johnson et al, 2021). Although, increased romantic partner conflict may spur declines in sibling conflict (Johnson et al, 2021).…”

“…As noted, siblings serve as important learning models where adolescents and young adults may learn and practice different behaviors and attitudes. The way adolescents and young adults interact with their siblings may then be linked to the way the interact with friends and peers (Kramer & Kowal, 2005), and romantic partners (Johnson et al, 2021).…”