Sibling estrangement in adulthood

Abstract

Whereas interest in adult sibling relationships has been growing, we are not aware of any quantitative studies focusing on sibling estrangement (that is, lack of contact or emotional closeness). This gap in the literature seems unfortunate, because estrangement in close family relationships has been suggested to be momentous for family functioning and individuals’ well-being. Drawing on four waves of the German Family Panel (pairfam; n = 5,729), covering a 6-year observation period, we therefore assess respondents’ estrangement from up to four siblings in adulthood, focusing on the predictive role of core structural parameters of sibling dyads (especially genetic relatedness) and disruptive family events (particularly parental separation/divorce or death). Whereas 28% of respondents in our sample experienced at least one episode of estrangement from any sibling, estrangement occurred multiple times in only 14% of sibling dyads. Moreover, results derived from discrete-time event history models indicate (a) that genetic relatedness is the single most important risk factor, albeit strongly mediated by childhood co-residence, and (b) that sibling relations tend to become more “vulnerable” over the life course, when adverse family events accumulate.

Protocol for a scoping review of the role of siblings in supporting middle-aged and older people with early-acquired severe mental illness

“…33 Siblings can and often do become alienated, especially in late adulthood. 34 Without a close relationship and a comprehensive understanding of their relative's condition, siblings of people with SMI may feel reluctant or resistant to provide support. Additionally, misconceptions, stigma and shame surrounding mental illness may lead to an avoidance of regular interaction with a relative with SMI, or at least restrict their ability to provide meaningful support.…”

“…Recent research also highlighted that sibling relationships are not necessarily enduring, meaningful or supportive throughout one’s life 33. Siblings can and often do become alienated, especially in late adulthood 34. Without a close relationship and a comprehensive understanding of their relative’s condition, siblings of people with SMI may feel reluctant or resistant to provide support.…”

Like brother, like sister? Disentangling the intertwined associations between siblings’ life course trajectories

“…Later in life, siblings are more likely to be sources of support for individuals who are single, widowed, and childless, especially when they live geographically close to each other (Campbell et al, 1999). While encountering disruptive or adverse family events can make sibling relationships more vulnerable and estranged (Hank & Steinbach, 2022), it has also been suggested that siblings' contact regularity increases after parental death (Kalmijn & Leopold, 2019). Altogether, sibling relationships are marked with both changes and stability, characterized by closeness, turbulence, estrangement, and reunion across life courses.…”