The Impact of the Sibling in Clinical Practice: Transference and Countertransference Dynamics.

Abstract

For many years, the impact of sibling relationships on psychological development has been neglected in the literature, overshadowed by the role of the parent-child relationship. As a result, attention to sibling dynamics and sibling transference as valuable information for case formulation and treatment interventions has not been used to its maximum potential. The authors demonstrate how deliberate consideration of sibling dynamics as well as the transferences and countertransferences associated with those dynamics can facilitate treatment. Several important sibling dynamics are discussed, including siblings' influences on identity development; sibling rivalry, jealousy, envy, guilt, and resentment; and sibling attachment. The impact of sibling dynamics on adult love relationships is discussed, as are potential effects of sibling abuse and sibling bereavement. Examples of how these dynamics can manifest themselves in transference and countertransference reactions and suggestions for working with those dynamics are illustrated with clinical examples.

An analysis of the sibling relationship in adulthood. Polish adaptation of STQ-Now

“…Being close with a sibling increases the feeling of security and gives a sense of stability and control [1], whereas the loss of a sibling may affect the future life of "the survivor" by impeding the establishing of close and intimate relationships and lowering the sense of the predictability of the world [16]. In later life, having siblings reduces the burden of caring for aging parents and helps to cope in the event of their death.…”

Lorsque l’enfant refuse le don de moelle osseuse

“…Bien que négatif, le sentiment de jalousie favorise chez l'enfant la prise de conscience des différences que l'autre semblable symbolise à ses yeux, mais aussi des similitudes qui l'unissent à son pair et dont il partage les enjeux quotidiens : aller à la même école, profiter des mêmes sorties et jeux, etc. Cet exercice de comparaison a une véritable valeur structurelle pour l'enfant, car il contribue à sa compréhension du déroulement du temps et à la construction de son identité [11,21]. Ainsi, la présence d'une fratrie place chaque enfant dans un va-etvient permanent entre similitude et altérité, entre identification et différenciation [9].…”

Progressive triangulation in psychotherapy and the spiritual journey

“…While contemporary psychoanalysts have augmented the classic view with the egalitarian concept of ''sibling transference'' to denote transference between equals (Coleman, 1996;Moser, 2005), transference, in accord with Freud's original formulation, still refers to earlier events and relational dynamics in a person's life. As for a future orientation, ''Freud rejected the notion outright: the unconscious had (was) an ''arche,'' not a ''telos.''…”