Commitment and Emotional Closeness in the Sibling Relationship

Abstract

This study explored commitment in the sibling relationship by examining whether sibling commitment (a) varies across the lifespan and (b) is associated with siblings' use of affectionate communication and communication-based emotional support. Participants were 448 individuals ranging in age from 18–92 who completed the Measure of Commitment scale (Stafford & Canary, 1991 Stafford , L. & Canary , D. J. ( 1991 ). Maintenance strategies and romantic relationship type, gender and relational characteristics . Journal of Social and Personal Relationships , 8 , 217 – 242 .[Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]), the Affectionate Communication Index (Floyd & Morman, 1998 Floyd , K. & Morman , M. T. ( 1998 ). The measurement of affectionate communication . Communication Quarterly , 46 , 144 – 162 .[Taylor & Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]), and the Communication-Based Emotional Support scale (Weber & Patterson, 1996 Weber , K. & Patterson , B. R. ( 1996 ). Construction and validation of a communication based emotional support scale . Communication Research Reports , 13 , 68 – 76 .[Taylor & Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]). Results indicated that sibling commitment (a) remains stable across the lifespan and (b) is associated with communication-based emotional support, the supportive communication dimension of affectionate communication, and sibling birth order.