Abstract
Sibling-directed self-disclosure was studied in a sample of 40 children in grades 5 and 6 (boys 22, girls 18; M age 11.5 yr; 20 with an older sibling, 20 with a younger sibling). Reports of warmth in the sibling relationship were most strongly associated with sibling disclosure (interview), but not with rivalry, conflict, or power (based on the Sibling Relationship Questionnaire). Warmth was also a stronger predictor of the interview measure of sibling disclosure than reports of engaging in either reciprocal (e.g., joint activities) or complementary (e.g., teaching-learning) sib-ling interactions. Reports of daily sibling disclosures were most strongly associated with daily reports of unhappy sibling interactions (e.g., feeling mad, sad) but were unrelated to interview reports of disclosing. Findings are discussed in light of the social psychological literature on disclosure and recent relationships theory.
Recommended Citation
Howe, Nina; Aquan-Assee, Jasmin; Bukowski, William M.; Rinaldi, Christina M.; and Lehoux, Pascale M.
(2000)
"Sibling Self-Disclosure in Early Adolescence,"
Merrill-Palmer Quarterly: Vol. 46:
Iss.
4, Article 8.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/mpq/vol46/iss4/8