Het Verband tussen Geboortevolgorde, Warmte in de Broer/zus-relatie en Depressie

Abstract

Aim The aim of the present study was to examine (1) if there is a correlation between warmth experienced in the sibling relationship and the developing of depression in first graders and (2) if the association depends on birth order. Method In this cross-sectional study 892 first year highschool students (Mage = 12,48 years, SD=.58) from five different schools participated by filling in different questionnaires. The Sibling Relationship Questionnaire measured quality of the sibling relationship. The 7-item subscale, depressive behaviour, of the Youth Self Report was used to asses first year highschool students’ symptoms of Depression. Birth order was measured by asking if the participant had a younger or an older sibling. Results Our findings show a significant negative association of warmth in the sibling relationship with depression in first year highschool students. Contrary to expectation, birth order had no significant effect on warmth within the sibling relationship and depression in first year highschool students. Conclusion Warmth in sibling relationships may be seen as a protective factor in developing symptoms of depression. This effect of warmth in sibling relationship on depression depends on whether you have an older or younger sibling. The results show that you report less depressive symptoms if you have an older sibling. Explanations, limitations as well as suggestion for follow-up studies were discussed.