ABSTRACT
This chapter explore links between sibling relationships and children's social development in three ways. First, it considers the similarities and differences between children's relationships with siblings and with friends or peers, and examine whether there is convergence in the quality of these relationships. Second, taking a broader view of children's social relationships, the chapter examines how the quality of sibling relationships may predict children's social competence and social skills more generally. It considers whether the contribution of siblings to children's social functioning is independent and distinct from the influence of parent–child relationships. Finally, the chapter describes how siblings may directly influence each other's social behaviour through modelling processes and by providing access to contexts and resources necessary for particular behaviours. In adolescence, links between sibling relationships and friendships appear to largely fit with a spillover perspective. High quality social relationships and social competence are an important part of well-being for children and adults.
