Sibling Relationships During the Transition to Adulthood

Overview

Journal Child Dev Perspect

Date 2010 Aug 12

PMID 20700389

Citations 37

Authors

Katherine Jewsbury Conger

Wendy M Little

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Recent research has shed new light on individual development during the early adulthood years, yet few investigators have examined sibling relationships during this stage of life. These relationships undergo transformations as individuals enter adult roles and orient their lives towards friends and romantic partners and establish independence from parents and siblings. This review examines major life events and role transitions such as leaving home, completing school, obtaining employment, getting married, and having children that influence individuals and their sibling relationships. In addition, the review considers how sibling relationships may affect individuals during the transition to adulthood, and considers the context of family and culture. The article concludes with suggestions for future research on sibling relationships during early adulthood and beyond.

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