engleski

The contribution of some characteristics of family processes to sibling relationship quality

The research on sibling relationship quality during the period of adolescence was initially focused on the influence of the so-called constellation factors (e.g. the number of siblings, the birth sequence) which could clarify the differences in the relationship quality. Due to the fact that the research of the mentioned factors resulted in inconsistent findings, the researchers became more focused on family processes and wider family system. Consequently, the aim of this research was to investigate the contribution of some characteristics of family processes (perception of parental behavior and parental conflict management strategies) to the sibling relationship quality during early adolescence period. The research involved boys (n=160) and girls (n=192) from 13 to 15 years of age, who have sisters no more than 5 years older or 6 younger than them. An adapted version of the Sibling Relationship Questionnaire, The Parental Behavior Perception Scale and The Scale of Parental Management of Sibling Conflict were applied in this research. The correlation and the regression analyses were conducted individually on male and female sample. The results show that boys and girls have a better relationship with their older sibling. In addition, when it comes to mixed dyads (brother-sister) it is more likely that boys who perceive a higher level of maternal acceptance, and those whose mother applies constructive strategies in solving conflicts between them and their siblings will have a better relationship with their sibling. In same-gender dyads (sister-sister), girls whose mother applies constructive strategies in solving conflicts between them and their siblings will perceive a higher level of warmth in sibling relationship. Furthermore, it is more likely that girls whose mothers attempt to resolve conflicts with their siblings in a non- constructive manner and girls whose mothers control the behavior of their children through threats will have a more conflictive relationship with their siblings.

adolescence, family processes, sibling relationship quality

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