A systemic approach to sibling functioning in childhood – a research review

Abstrakt

The aim of the paper is to review recent literature and introduce a systemic approach to the nature of sibling relationships during the first years of life. A growing body of evidence suggests that siblings play considerable roles in each other’s development, and that the quality and the character of the sibling bond may have far-reaching effects. The present review elucidates the interactions between subsystems, particularly the functioning of the sibling subsystem; it also considers influences from other internal and external factors. It discusses siblinghood between children with regard to three main domains: warmth and support, rivalry and jealousy, and conflict. The final part of the article suggests some implications considering the influence of child siblinghood on adolescent and adult life.