Abstract
In order to understand the interdependency between intergenerational and adult sibling relationships, a family systems perspective is applied to identify a smaller—empirically analyzable—relational unit of analysis, that is, the sibling–parent–sibling triad. Using balance theory, triadic configurations are derived that represent enhancement, compensation, and loyalty conflicts. The hypotheses are tested for three relational dimensions: support exchange, contact, and conflict. Multilevel analyses of 549 sibling–parent–sibling triads from the Netherlands Kinship Panel data show strong evidence for enhancement, whereas some indication was obtained for sibling relationships being affected by loyalty conflicts. The results underscore and substantiate interdependency between intergenerational and adult sibling relationships.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 2707-2727 |
| Journal | Journal of Family Issues |
| Volume | 40 |
| Issue number | 18 |
| Early online date | 11 Jul 2019 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2019 |
Keywords
- adult sibling relationships
- intergenerational relationships
- intragenerational relationships
- Western European families
- family triads