The Causes and Consequences of Sibling Estrangement

• In Event: 30811 - Family and Well-Being

Abstract

The sibling relationship is one of the longest-lasting relationships across the life course. In line with an intra-generational solidarity framework (Reczek, Stacye, & Dunston, 2022), sibling relationships have been shown to enhance well-being through social support, resource sharing, and a sense of belonging (Connidis, 2007). However, as these theories point out, sibling ties are often typified by conflict or strain, having harmful effects on mental well-being (Stocker et al, 2020). While sibling ties overall have received increased research attention due to their importance, Gilligan and colleagues argue one aspect of sibling ties has been ignored: sibling estrangement. While some studies provide initial clues as to the causes of sibling estrangement, such as low integration in childhood and a lack of genetic relatedness (Hank & Steinback, 2022), questions remain regarding exactly how estrangement occurs among adult siblings. Given the relatively common incidence of sibling estrangement, understanding the varying pathways to such estrangement is critical to gaining a full picture of family functioning and the disintegration of social ties across the life course. Using 39 in-depth interviews with adults who are estranged from a sibling, we ask: why do siblings become estranged? More specifically, we empirically attend to how the causes of sibling estrangement differ and are shaped by racial-ethnic, sexual identity, and gendered social locations. Our findings detail three main interdependent causes of sibling estrangement: 1) childhood experiences 2) parental behavior in adulthood, and 3) sibling behavior. As such, the investigation of sibling estrangement helps us understand the “dark” side of close social ties, with attention to the causes of social disintegration and social network disruption.

Authors

• Rin Reczek, The Ohio State University

• Candice Nicole Crutchfield, Ohio State University

• Akanne Torres Beltran, Ohio State University