Support Between Siblings and Between Friends: Two Worlds Apart?

Abstract

This research examines whether siblings and friends resemble each other in supportive behavior. Using a Dutch national sample of 6,289 individuals containing 12,578 relationships with siblings and friends, we investigated the relative importance of gender composition, geographical proximity, relationship quality, and contact frequency for support exchange with siblings and friends. Results show that, controlling for other influences, siblings exchange more practical and less emotional support. High relationship quality and contact frequency are positively related to exchange of emotional support with siblings more than with friends, as is—unexpectedly—living further away. Fewer differences exist in practical support exchange. In conclusion, siblings and friends are similar with regard to practical support but different when it comes to emotional support.

Gratitude for Help among Adult Friends and Siblings

“…Our results support the view of gratitude as a prosocial emotion that serves to trigger and maintain reciprocal interactions in friendships (Algoe et al, 2008;Trivers, 1971). Although the effect sizes for gratitude by relationship type were not large, this is in line with previous studies that have found relatively small but persistent differences between friends and kin in help scenarios (Stewart-Williams, 2007;Voorpostel and van der Lippe, 2007).…”

“…-682-result: The effect of contact frequency on the provision and reception of emotional support was stronger among siblings compared to friends (Voorpostel and van der Lippe, 2007). This pattern may stem from a selection effect.…”

Siblings of Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Theoretical Perspectives on Sibling Relationships and Individual Adjustment

“…Longitudinal studies reveal that these behaviors decline across adolescence as youth focus on the world beyond the home (Kim, McHale, Osgood, & Crouter, 2006). Positivity in sibling relationships, however, continues to be linked to more positive psychological adjustment into young adulthood and beyond (Voorpostel & van der Lippe, 2007). Sibling conflict behaviors include verbal (tease, argue), relational (social exclusion, undermining) and physical aggression (Dunn, 2007).…”

Migrants’ Competing Commitments: Sexual Partners in Urban Africa and Remittances to the Rural Origin

“…According to the “compensation model,” deficiencies in support from close familial relationships, such as parents and siblings, can be compensated by support obtained from relationships outside the family, such as friends or peers (East and Rook 1992; Gauze et al 1996; Magdol and Bessel 2003; Sherman et al 2006; Voorpostel and van der Lippe 2007; see also Wellman and Wortley 1990). This work is interested in the impact of substitution on individuals’ psychological adjustment—paralleling the migrant adaptation literature—which may explain its emphasis on replacement of psychosocial support of the family, including elements such as companionship, affection, trust, and emotional encouragement.…”