A Longitudinal Investigation of Sibling Effects on Parent-Child Relationships

A Longitudinal Investigation of Sibling Effects on Parent-Child Relationships

Presenter(s)

Caleigh Pistorius

Comments

Presentation: 1:20-1:40 p.m., Kennedy Union 331

Description

This study examines the relationship between one’s siblings’ internalizing and externalizing problems, and the effect those behaviors may have on one’s relationship with one’s parents. Previous research indicated that siblings’ relationships are some of the most long-lasting and important relationships in an individual’s life. Family research has also shown that there are situations in which children’s internalizing and externalizing behaviors can shape their relationship with their parents. However, no previous research to my knowledge has explored whether one’s sibling’s behaviors influences one’s own parent-child relationship. During this study, data from the United States Department of Labor and National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY79) as well as the Children of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (CNLSY) was analyzed. Internalizing and externalizing behaviors were evaluated through the Behavior Problems Index (BPI). The child’s perception of parenting was evaluated based on four scales: Autonomy, Disharmony, Intimacy, and Joint Activity (Hart et al., 1999). When siblings are further apart in age, there was an association found between internalizing and externalizing behaviors and Joint Activities, resulting in the younger child spending less time with parents. Disharmony between parents and children was found to be only correlated with the child’s own externalizing behaviors, not with a siblings’ externalizing behaviors. These findings do not provide clear support for the possibility that sibling behavior problems have influence on one's own parent-child relationship.

Publication Date

4-19-2023

Project Designation

Honors Thesis

Primary Advisor

Jackson Goodnight

Primary Advisor's Department

Psychology

Keywords

Stander Symposium, College of Arts and Sciences

A Longitudinal Investigation of Sibling Effects on Parent-Child Relationships

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