In families where siblings are born within one or two years of each other frequent quarrels, small fights, bonding, and reconciliation are common. However many parents often respond to such situations with intolerance without realizing that these sibling dynamics play a crucial role in emotional and social development.
Science tells us that these relationships-marked by fights and forgiveness, teasing and sharing-can become one of life’s greatest emotional assets.
Despite occasional conflicts, if siblings share a strong emotional connection, this bond can evolve into a significant source of emotional resilience as they grow. Studies show that a healthy sibling relationship can help individuals stay away from depression, anxiety and emotional isolation. In fact, close sibling relationships can reduce vulnerability to mental health issues by up to 60%.
Among Indian students studying abroad, emotional wellbeing is often linked to the strength of sibling bonds they have nurtured. Similarly, children from countries like Germany and Japan have shown better emotional outcomes where strong sibling ties are present.
A study conducted by Brigham Young University, involving 395 families, found that adolescents with strong sibling relationships exhibited lower levels of depression, loneliness and anxiety, greater ability to recover from trauma, improved social maturity and interpersonal skills.
Siblings are seen as equals, unlike parents or teachers who are viewed as authority figures. This makes it easier for children to learn empathy, resolve conflicts peacefully and stand up for justice and fairness.
Older siblings, especially elder sisters, often act as mother figures, while elder brothers may take on fatherly roles, especially in emotionally sensitive households. Even though they live under the same roof, siblings build a relationship that is uniquely their own-rich with friendship, shared experience, and loyalty.
Siblings are often the first ‘other person’ a child learns to interact with. The competition, sharing, and social learning that happens between siblings prepares them for future relationships-in marriage, work, and friendships. Most importantly, sibling bonds last longer than most other relationships including marriages, friendships and romantic relationships.
