Sibling Relationships and Internalizing Symptoms: A Gender Moderation Study

Abstract

In the current study, we investigated the link between sibling relationship quality (Warmth and Conflict) and internalizing problems (Depression and Anxiety), and gender as potential moderator of these associations. The sample consisted of 42 families, with adolescents between the age of 12-18 years (M boys = 15.05, SD boys = 2.10; M girls = 14.24, SD girls = 1.30). We measured Depression and Anxiety by using the Youth Self Report and the Child Behaviour Check List. Warmth and Conflict were measured by the Sibling Relationship Questionnaire-Adjusted Version and the Parent Report of Early Sibling relationship quality. Results indicate that there is no link between sibling relationship quality and depression. Moreover, results show no link between sibling warmth and anxiety. However, results do indicate a link between sibling conflict and anxiety, but only for parent-report. Gender did not moderate these associations. A possible explanation for these results is that adolescents in this particular age group (M = 14.6) are influenced more by peers than their siblings. Future research can perhaps focus more on the quality of the peer relationship in association to anxiety and depression.