Title: Theoretical Perspectives on Sibling Relationships
Abstract: Journal of Family Theory & ReviewVolume 3, Issue 2 p. 124-139 Theoretical Perspectives on Sibling Relationships Shawn D. Whiteman, Corresponding Author Shawn D. Whiteman Purdue UniversityDepartment of Child Development and Family Studies, Purdue University, CDFS Building, 101 Gates Rd., PO Box 47907, West Lafayette, IN ([email protected]).Search for more papers by this authorSusan M. McHale, Susan M. McHale Pennsylvania State University *Search for more papers by this authorAnna Soli, Anna Soli Pennsylvania State University *Search for more papers by this author Shawn D. Whiteman, Corresponding Author Shawn D. Whiteman Purdue UniversityDepartment of Child Development and Family Studies, Purdue University, CDFS Building, 101 Gates Rd., PO Box 47907, West Lafayette, IN ([email protected]).Search for more papers by this authorSusan M. McHale, Susan M. McHale Pennsylvania State University *Search for more papers by this authorAnna Soli, Anna Soli Pennsylvania State University *Search for more papers by this author First published: 08 June 2011 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1756-2589.2011.00087.xCitations: 175 Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Abstract Although siblings are a fixture of family life, research on sibling relationships lags behind that on other family relationships. To stimulate interest in sibling research and to serve as a guide for future investigations by family scholars, we review four theoretical psychologically oriented perspectives—(a) psychoanalytic-evolutionary, (b) social psychological, (c) social learning, and (d) family-ecological systems— that can inform research on sibling relationships, including perspectives on the nature and influences on developmental, individual, and group differences in sibling relationships. Given that most research on siblings has focused on childhood and adolescence, our review highlights these developmental periods, but we also incorporate the limited research on adult sibling relationships, including suggestions for future research on this fundamental family relationship. Citing Literature Volume3, Issue2June 2011Pages 124-139 RelatedInformation