ABSTRACT
In this final chapter, we sketch out a research programme for the contextualized study of siblings and their families, discussing different comprehensive developmental models that inform social relationships, pointing to areas in need of further research, and detailing perspectives and approaches concerning future work. An overview of systems science and its offshoots, developmental systems perspective (DSP), family systems, and ecological systems theory will be put forth and situated as to their applications in sibling investigations. In addition, we include core theses and key insights gleaned from previous chapters to anchor proposals for future multiangled research programmes. In so doing, this chapter serves to both appraise and organize past work, guiding future research. Such efforts should be undertaken with the hope of furthering not only efficient and innovative work on siblings, families, and close relationship across the lifespan, but inform best practice and public policy initiatives in tandem. The Appendix additionally spotlights promising projects which illustrate innovative sibling science.
