Compensatory patterns of sibling support in emerging adulthood: Variations in loneliness, self-esteem, depression and life satisfaction

This study examines how the compensatory effects of social support received from siblings relate to psychological adjustment in emerging adulthood. Participants completed measures of social support from a variety of sources and several indicators of well-being. Sibling support was associated with lower loneliness and depression and with higher self-esteem and life satisfaction. Also, sibling support compensated for low parental and peer support. Sibling support compensated for low support from mothers for depression and self-esteem. Sibling support compensated for low support from fathers for loneliness, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Finally, sibling support partially compensated for low support from friends for all of the well-being measures and completely compensated for self-esteem, depression, and life satisfaction. The potential benefits of sibling support warrant a closer examination of the wide-ranging issues involved in sibling relations.