When Quality Trumps Quantity: Siblings and the Development of Peer Relationships

• In Event: 423 - Regular Session. Family and Kinship in Diverse Settings

Abstract

A growing body of research suggests that individuals raised with siblings gain social skills that facilitate relationship building with others. But while this pattern has been demonstrated among kindergartners and adults, surprisingly it does not replicate among adolescents. Our paper explores this puzzle and offers a potential solution. We analyze 4,188 10-15 years olds from the United Kingdom Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS) and replicate the previous pattern—number of siblings is unrelated to peer relationship quality. But unlike past studies, we explore how sibling relationship quality matters. It turns out that while the number of siblings is inconsequential, the quality of sibling relationships plays an important role in shaping the quality of peer relationships. While past research implies that siblings play no role in developing the skills necessary for building and maintaining other relationships among youths, our study clarifies how the quality of sibling relationships (but not the quantity) is a meaningful contributor to the development of peer relationships.

Authors

• Deniz Yucel, William Paterson University

• Douglas B. Downey, The Ohio State University