ABSTRACT
If peers play such a formative role in each others' lives, then a similar and perhaps even stronger argument could be made for siblings (Dunn, 1983; 1988b). The emotional intensity and intimacy of the sibling relationship and the amount of time siblings spend together make sibling interaction a prime arena for mutually significant influences (Bank & Kahn, 1975; Brown & Dunn, 1992; Dunn & Kendrick, 1982). The affective quality of sibling interactions ranges from prosocial behaviors and obvious affection to hostility and mutual physical aggression (Abramovitch, Corter, & Lando, 1979; Abramovitch, Pepler, & Corter, 1982; Dunn & Kendrick, 1982). This breadth and depth of emotions suggests that the sibling relationship is fertile ground for emotion socialization.
