Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

4-25-2025

Keywords

ambivalence, childhood, family relationships, sibling bond, sibling rivalry, social support, well-being

Disciplines

Developmental Psychology

Abstract

The relationship between siblings is unique among family relationships in that sibling relationships have a dimension of equality. In other words, they do not necessarily share the same obligations toward each other as a married partners or parents and child may, especially in Western cultures. Durkheim (1933) described sibling relationships as a “mechanical” bond rather than an “organic” bond, which would better characterize a complimentary relationship, such as that between married partners or a parent and child. This mechanical bond results in ambivalence and rivalry towards one another during childhood and early adulthood, as siblings are often forced to compete for parental attention and resources, as well as contend with differences in varying levels of privilege and responsibility. However, over the course of the lifetime, and especially in older age, sibling bonds often move towards a less competitive relationship.

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