Sibling Relationship Profiles and Their Associations With Socio‐Emotional Adjustment
Elena Wittmann, Ilka WolterABSTRACT
Objective
This study sought to identify sibling relationship profiles based on warmth, hostility, rivalry, and conflict resolution, and examines their associations with socio‐emotional adjustment. We addressed two main questions: (1) Do distinct profiles emerge when incorporating rivalry and conflict resolution? and (2) How do these profiles differ in their associations with prosocial behavior, conduct problems, and self‐esteem?
Background
Sibling research often overlooks rivalry and conflict resolution. These dimensions are critical during middle childhood and adolescence as peer and identity dynamics intensify.
Method
Using data from 657 German children ( M age = 11.25, SD = 2.14; 49.2% female), we employed latent profile analysis (LPA). Associations with adjustment (prosocial behavior, conduct problems, and self‐esteem) were examined using the R3‐step and BCH methods to account for classification uncertainty.
Results
Five profiles were identified: harmonious, hostile, rival, affect‐intense, and uninvolved. Harmonious profiles were associated with higher prosocial behavior and self‐esteem and lower conduct problems. Hostile and rival profiles showed less favorable adjustment, characterized by lower self‐esteem and higher conduct problems. Affect‐intense and uninvolved profiles displayed intermediate patterns of adjustment.
Conclusion
Sibling relationship profiles were meaningfully associated with children's socio‐emotional adjustment. Including rivalry and conflict resolution reveals previously overlooked dynamics, such as the rival profile.
Implications
Findings highlight the importance of considering sibling dynamics in family‐based interventions aimed at fostering children's emotional and social well‐being.