Sibling Relationships in Adulthood: Research Findings and New Frontiers

Megan Gilligan; Clare M. Stocker; Katherine Jewsbury Conger

doi:10.1111/jftr.12385

journal article Aug 04, 2020

Sibling Relationships in Adulthood: Research Findings and New Frontiers

Megan Gilligan

Clare M. Stocker Katherine Jewsbury Conger

Journal of Family Theory & Review Vol. 12 No. 3 pp. 305-320 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1111/jftr.12385

Abstract

Sibling relationships, the longest‐lasting relationships in most people's lives, have been understudied compared to other family relationships. The goal of this review is to increase understanding of sibling relationships from midlife to older adulthood by integrating aspects of psychological and sociological theories, including social exchange, family systems, and life course perspectives, to better understand the structure, function, processes, and meaning of sibling relationships in middle and later life. This theoretical integration promotes a comprehensive study of sibling relationships by considering individual and family characteristics as well as the broader social and cultural contexts in which sibling ties are situated. Further, this integration facilitates the study of sibling relationships across time. In addition to reviewing current knowledge about sibling relationships in adulthood, we discuss directions for future research, the methodological practices necessary to advance this research, and the translational significance of research on adult sibling relationships for aging populations.

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Metrics

87

Citations

131

References

Details

Published: Aug 04, 2020
Vol/Issue: 12(3)
Pages: 305-320
License: View

Authors

M

Megan Gilligan

Iowa State University

C

Clare M. Stocker

University of Denver

K

Katherine Jewsbury Conger

University of California Davis

Cite This Article

Megan Gilligan, Clare M. Stocker, Katherine Jewsbury Conger (2020). Sibling Relationships in Adulthood: Research Findings and New Frontiers. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 12(3), 305-320. https://doi.org/10.1111/jftr.12385

Sibling Relationships in Adulthood: Research Findings and New Frontiers

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