By Mia Mercado
Researchers also took into account differences in the gender of the siblings (i.e. older brother/younger sister, older sister/younger sister, etc.). The results remained true regardless of gender except for one scenario: “Younger brothers didn’t contribute to significant changes in older sisters’ empathy,” Jambon said. (Sorry, lil bros of big sisters.)
Age difference also appeared to be a significant factor, with a greater age gap between siblings showing a correlation to how influential an older sibling was. Again, perhaps not a huge surprise to anyone with a significantly younger sibling who you basically helped raise or an older sibling who you idolized.
“Our findings emphasize the importance of considering how all members of the family, not just parents and older siblings, contribute to children’s development,” Sheri Madigan, a coauthor of the study, also said in the press release. Previous studies have found that younger siblings are influential during adolescence, Madigan mentioned, but this recent research suggests that influence may begin even earlier in development.
Previous research has also found that the relationship specifically between sisters has scientific benefits. One 2010 study suggests that sisters make you nicer and having a sister, either older or younger, has a positive effect on mental well-being. Another study from Brigham Young University found sisters help their siblings curb negative emotions like loneliness, fear, and depression.
The benefits of siblinghood extend beyond our developmental years. According to one 2014 study, having a close relationship with an adult sibling may be the key to a happy life, specifically in its benefits for your mental health. Of course, there are plenty of less scientific benefits to having a sibling, like having someone’s closet to raid or experience to learn from. (Both are of equal value.)
So, siblings young and old have something to celebrate today. (...at least for that brief moment before you go back to bickering.)
Previous research has also found that the relationship specifically between sisters has scientific benefits. One 2010 study suggests that sisters make you nicer and having a sister, either older or younger, has a positive effect on mental well-being. Another study from Brigham Young University found sisters help their siblings curb negative emotions like loneliness, fear, and depression.
The benefits of siblinghood extend beyond our developmental years. According to one 2014 study, having a close relationship with an adult sibling may be the key to a happy life, specifically in its benefits for your mental health. Of course, there are plenty of less scientific benefits to having a sibling, like having someone’s closet to raid or experience to learn from. (Both are of equal value.)
So, siblings young and old have something to celebrate today. (...at least for that brief moment before you go back to bickering.)
A thank-you message from Miss N
An article by Mia Mercador about tutoring among siblings
O-Talk, Jun. 3: Follow-up activities
O-Grammar No.1: What is grammar? Next week's plan. Trip to Son Tra. Outlook English Club Rules.
An article by Mia Mercador about tutoring among siblings
O-Talk, Jun. 3: Follow-up activities
O-Grammar No.1: What is grammar? Next week's plan. Trip to Son Tra. Outlook English Club Rules.
Back to O-Talk May 27.2018.
