Positive Consequences of Sibling Conflict in Childhood and Adulthood

Abstract

The present article was an attempt to integrate the two disparate literatures on sibling conflict in childhood and adulthood with a particular emphasis on the potential benefits of conflictual sibling relations for adult well-being and competence. The extant literature on children's sibling conflicts underscores that conflictual exchanges may actually be related to increases in children's social and emotional competence, the development of self and identity formation, sibling relationship quality, and the subsequent parenting of one's own children. We presented descriptive data bearing on similar categorical benefits from our interviews with middle-aged and older adults with respect to sibling conflict in childhood and adulthood. Based on these findings, we recommend that future research on adult social relations should seriously consider the many ways in which challenge, conflict, and adversity in social relationships may contribute to developmental outcomes, both "good" and "bad."

Allocating Family Responsibilities for Dependent Older People in Mexico and Peru

“…As part of this, the concept of 'deferred reciprocity' considers the extent to which willingness to offer care is influenced by perceived contributions, material or affective, from the dependent person in the past (Gomes da Conceição & Montes de Oca Zavala, 2004). Sibling relationships and bargaining may be framed by established sibling roles and identities, possibly established in childhood and reaffirmed by key moments later in life (Bedford, Volling, & Avioli, 2000;White, 2001). Life course frameworks distinguish between 'trajectories' (periods of general continuity) and 'turning points', which interrupt trajectories, bringing about significant change to one or more lives.…”

Sibling Experiences as Predictors of Romantic Relationship Qualities in Adolescence

“…These findings are consistent with both social learning and attachment theory predictions, which hold that early relational patterns transfer to later relationships. In contrast, some evidence suggests that conflict between siblings serves to enhance social and communication skills, as well as negotiation, compromise, and perspective-taking abilities (Bedford, Volling, & Avioli, 2000). Successfully negotiating sibling conflict may provide adolescents with the skills needed to resolve conflict in romantic relationships.…”

Oh, Brother (or Sister)!: An Examination of Sibling Attachment, Conflict, and Cooperation in Emerging Adulthood

“…The positive effects of conflict resolution were shown in adolescent siblings, as individuals who were able to resolve conflict effectively were shown to have lower depression scores and were better adjusted, as determined by measures of self-esteem and risk-taking behaviour (Tucker et al, 2003). In a 12-year study, Bedford, Volling, and Avioli (2000) found that 77% of adult respondents could name a benefit of conflict with siblings, including greater trust and communication, increased feelings of compassion, and improved parenting and grandparenting skills. Furthermore, in a study with sibling dyads, it was found that siblings who had more frequent conflict with a sister perceived less negativity in their relationships a year later (Lindell, Campione-Barr, & Bassett Greer, 2014).…”