The role of siblings in the process of forming life satisfaction among young adults – moderating function of gender

• Published in: Current psychology (New Brunswick, N.J.) Vol. 40; no. 12; pp. 6132 - 6144
• Main Author: Szymanska, Paulina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.12.2021; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Apathy; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Brothers and sisters; Gender; Psychological aspects; Psychological research; Psychology; Satisfaction; Sex differences (Psychology); Siblings; Social aspects; Social Sciences; Young adults; Poland; Early adulthood; Brothers; Sisters; Sibling relationship; Life satisfaction
• ISSN: 1046-1310; 1936-4733
• DOI: 10.1007/s12144-020-00776-3

The main aim of the study was to explore the relationship between life satisfaction and sibling bond quality, with gender playing a moderating role. The sample consisted of 276 young adults with a single biological sibling. The participants completed three questionnaires: a sociodemographic survey, the STQ-Now (quality of the sibling relationship) and the SWLS (level of life satisfaction). No difference was observed between men and women regarding life satisfaction; however, the gender constellation in a sibling dyad was found to be statistically significant. Same-sex pairs scored higher on life satisfaction than cross-sex siblings. A positive relationship with a brother or a sister based on mutuality correlated with high overall satisfaction with life, while criticism, competition and apathy were associated with lower general satisfaction. Additionally, two of these relations (i.e. mutuality and apathy) were moderated by gender. Lastly, representatives of the Supportive type of relationships obtained higher levels of life satisfaction than the Ambivalent or the Reluctant types. The findings suggest that siblings play an essential role in shaping psychological well-being. As early adulthood is a stage characterised by multitasking and various challenges, the formation of positive, adaptive and supportive sibling bond may maintain good life satisfaction. The findings also underline the significance of gender combination in the relationship.