ABSTRACT
This chapter examines sibling relationships as unique family relationships that can last a lifetime. In childhood, sibling relationships are often more intense and involuntary. We examine the transition to siblinghood as well as resources (e.g., caretaking and support) and challenges (e.g., competition and conflict) evident in the interactions of preadult sibling relationships. This chapter explores how family processes like divorce and remarriage impact communication in the sibling relationship and determine how some sibling relationships are formed. We also show that siblings are very aware of differential treatment by parents. Even though sibling contact tends to decrease in emerging adulthood, most adult siblings make at least some intentional efforts to maintain the relationship beyond obligatory family ties and many adults count a sibling as a close friend. As shown in this chapter, maintaining the sibling relationship can be beneficial, especially when adult siblings are called to join in parental care or when they turn to each other as a source of support late in life.
