Poster #51 - Can Siblings Buffer Self-reported and Behavioral Indices of Stress in Children and Adolescents?

• In Event: Poster Session 09

Abstract

Positive sibling relationships are associated with better psychosocial outcomes during childhood and adolescence (Milevsky, 2011; Yeh & Lempers, 2004). While some research has documented a protective role of siblings against stress (Gass et al., 2007; Milevsky & Levitt, 2005), these studies are limited to self-reported measures of stressful events and sibling relationship quality (Gass et al., 2007; Milevsky & Levitt, 2005). We are extending this work through an ongoing study where we measure self-reported and behavioral indices of stress, as well as observed sibling interactions, to investigate whether preparing for a stressful task with a sibling compared to a stranger leads to lower stress during the task. We will also investigate whether higher sibling relationship quality enhances the effect of sibling support on reducing stress. For this study, we are recruiting children (9-11 years) and adolescents (15-17 years) who have a sibling of the same age or up to 4 years older. Participants complete the Trier Social Stress Test-Online (TSST-OL; Gunnar et al., 2020) which consists of a speech and math task in front of two judges via Zoom. Before the task, participants are randomized to prepare for the speech with their sibling or a stranger. Participants are asked to rate their stress before, during, and after the TSST-OL and the quality of their preparation partner. They also complete questionnaires about sibling relationship quality, including the Sibling Relationship Questionnaire (Furman & Buhrmester, 1985) and the Sibling Attachment Inventory (Noel et al., 2018). Video recordings of the speech delivery and math tasks are being coded for behavioral indices of stress (e.g., muscle tension, posture, stumbling in speech). We are also coding video recordings of the speech preparation portion for observed quality of sibling interactions (e.g., helpfulness, validation, intrusiveness).
Although we are not currently well-powered to test our hypotheses with traditional significance testing, preliminary results from our current sample (N = 37; 20 children, 17 adolescents) suggest participants self-report less stress during speech preparation when they receive sibling versus stranger support. In addition, participants who prepared with their sibling reported that the helper liked their ideas better and that they received more praise and encouragement from the helper than participants who prepared with a stranger. We will formally test these differences in a larger sample by the time of the conference (n ≥ 100). A repeated measures ANCOVA will be conducted to determine whether participants’ trajectories of self-reported stress differ by condition (sibling versus stranger support). We will also test whether results differ across age groups (child vs. adolescent) and whether self-reported and observed sibling relationship quality predict stress levels. Finally, an ANCOVA will be conducted with mean behavioral stress levels during the TSST-OL by condition, age, and sibling relationship quality. Participant sex will be balanced across age groups.
Consistent, high-quality, and accessible social support is a strong predictor of child and adolescent mental health (Thompson & Goodvin, 2016). The findings of this study will inform the development of interventions that target sibling relationships as a protective factor against stress.

Authors

• Deborah Han, University of Denver
  Presenting Author

• Natalie Thwaites, University of Denver

• Julia Olson

• Jenalee Doom, University of Denver