A Cross Sectional Study of Dynamics of Sibling Relationship

In human’s life, relationships play a vital role in maintaining physical and mental

health, promoting self-esteem, improving emotional wellbeing, deriving happiness, satisfaction,

and a sense of belongingness (Deci and Ryan, 2002). Interpersonal relationships could be

defined as a connection or association with people on the basis of blood, feelings or emotions

which provide a base of forming social groups and society as a whole. These relationships can

broadly be divided into intimate relationships (romantic and marital relationships), familial

relationships (parents, siblings, children, relatives), and relationships with significant others

(friends, neighbors, colleagues etc.). The very first relationship an individual establishes in his

or her life is with the mother. In later phases, he develops bonds with other people significant in

his life. There are various relationships an individual builds in life; the most important are

family relationships, where relationship with siblings last almost throughout the life span.

Sibling relationships are ubiquitous in nature as almost everyone has a sibling. A

sibling is a person who shares common parents. A female sibling is a sister and a male sibling is

a brother. There are many types of sibling one can have and the most common types are full

siblings (those who have same biological mother and father), half siblings (those who share

only one same parent either mother or father), step siblings (those who have different parents

but one of their parents is married to other one’s parent), foster siblings (those who have been

raised in same foster family or home), adoptive siblings (they have different parents and parent

of one child has adopted the other child).

Siblings are the first friends anyone ever has, and they share a bond that exists from

their birth to old age. They have a huge effect on each other’s lives due to spending a large

amount of time together. Their relationship comprises of love, friendliness, understanding and

intimacy. Intimacy between siblings is psychologically different from that between couples. The

latter is a relationship depends on mutual dependence and mutual need satisfaction. On the other

hand, sibling’s intimacy is based on intense affection, cooperation and support. Intimacy within

siblings may be defined as the state of emotionally harmonizing and knowing the other person

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well. Huitt (2019) has described the beautiful bonding of siblings in her words, ＂Brother and

sister, together as friends, ready to face whatever life sends.