Sibling dynamics in adulthood: a qualitative analysis

Research on sibling dynamics throughout the life span has gradually increased over the past several years. However, limited work has been conducted on the sibling relationship dynamics of adults particularly using qualitative methods. The current study is a phenomenological examination of the nature of sibling relationships in adults using a sample of forty adults, 24 females and 16 males, between the ages 29 and 70 (M = 50.55, SD = 12.03) from a large Northeastern city in the United States. Participants were interviewed using semi-structured questions about past and current sibling relationship dynamics. Results were analyzed using the phenomenological method. Themes emanating from the interviews included: (1) impact of age, gender, and geography on the relationship, (2) topology of support provided by siblings, (3) content of conversations/information sharing and taboo items, (4) contact frequency and method of contact (phone, electronic), (5) factors contributing to sibling closeness, and (6) negative aspects of the relationship. Findings highlight the continued and unique importance of this bond even as adult are occupied with their daily life and the diversity found in sibling dynamics during adulthood.