Journal Article

Intergenerational Solidarity and Support Between Adult Siblings

Blieszner, Rosemary, Voorpostel, Marieke

2008

Overview

Using a Dutch national sample containing 1,259 triads (two siblings, one parent), we examined whether practical support and emotional support between siblings are enhanced by intergenerational solidarity and how this differs for brothers and sisters. Sibling support was affected by sibling dyad characteristics and by the relationship with the parent. Having a poor relationship and low contact frequency with the parent enhances sibling emotional support, pointing to a compensating mechanism, which is stronger among brothers. Sibling support is also positively related to parental support, suggesting a reinforcing mechanism, especially among sisters. The results contribute new information about influences on sibling support in adulthood and demonstrate the value of including family context variables in research on specific family relationships.

• Publisher: Blackwell Publishing Inc,National Council on Family Relations,Blackwell Publishing,Blackwell,Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subject: Adult children / adult siblings / Adults / Brothers / Children / Cohort studies / Dyadic relations / Emotional support / Emotions / Families & family life / Family Characteristics / Family members / Family Relations / Family Relationship / Family Structure / Family studies / Family support / Foreign Countries / Intergenerational Relations / Intergenerational relationships / Intergenerational Relationships in Adulthood / Interpersonal Relationship / multi-level models / Multilevel models / Netherlands / Parent Child Relationship / Parent-child relations / Parents / Parents & parenting / Psychological Patterns / Questionnaires / relationship processes / Sexuality. Marriage. Family relations / Sibling Relationship / Siblings / Sisters / Social support / Sociology / Sociology of the family. Age groups / Solidarity / Support / Triads / Variables / Western European families