The Third Rail of Family Systems: Sibling Relationships, Mental and Behavioral Health, and Preventive Intervention in Childhood and Adolescence

Abstract

Sibling relationships are an important context for development, but are often ignored in research and preventive interventions with youth and families. In childhood and adolescence siblings spend considerable time together, and siblings’ characteristics and sibling dynamics substantially influence developmental trajectories and outcomes. This paper reviews research on sibling relationships in childhood and adolescence, focusing on sibling dynamics as part of the family system and sibling influences on adjustment problems, including internalizing and externalizing behaviors and substance use. We present a theoretical model that describes three key pathways of sibling influence: one that extends through siblings’ experiences with peers and school, and two that operate largely through family relationships. We then describe the few existing preventive interventions that target sibling relationships and discuss the potential utility of integrating siblings into child and family programs.

Externalizing disorders and environmental risk: mechanisms of gene–environment interplay and strategies for intervention

“…Ineffective parenting and sibling conflict are highly correlated, and both independently predict subsequent peer difficulties and antisocial behavior [40]. Additionally, some have argued that sibling relationship difficulties and conflict in early- and middle-childhood may be an early indicator of problems likely to occur in social relationships outside the family [45–47]. …”

Association among number, order and type of siblings and adolescent mental health at age 12

“…1 Despite the absence of a single comprehensive sibling theory, several dimensions of sibling relationships consistently emerge in the literature: warmth, conflict, and differential treatment. 2 Sibling warmth reflects positive aspects of the relationship such as affection, support, companionship, and closeness whereas sibling conflict consists of negative aspects such as arguing, fighting, aggression, hostility and negativity.…”

Sibling constellations and wellbeing in intact and non-intact families

“…For example birth order and the age gap between siblings are structural factors that probably interact with parent-sibling relations and parenting practices in the process. However, while acknowledging these weaknesses, the current study points to the potential importance of considering the sex of siblings in family interventions (Feinberg, Solmeyer & McHale, 2012). Following family break up, bereavement or other trauma the potential psychological protection provided by female siblings could be enhanced through support.…”

“…It would seem reasonable then to hypothesise that girl siblings might provide a protective family environment following break up through the generation of more open emotional expression. In their review Feinberg, Solmeyer and McHale (2012) identify the importance of sibling relationships as a target for preventive intervention in relation to adolescent mental health.…”