Differential Accounts of Closeness in Older Adult Sibling Relationships

Abstract

Research into the older adult sibling relationship has only recently recognized and attempted to account for differential feelings of closeness between siblings throughout their lives. Sixty-one participants, aged fifty-four and older with at least two siblings, were interviewed concerning the degree of closeness they felt towards their siblings. Participants in this investigation were able to differentiate levels of closeness felt toward their siblings and account for these differences. Family systems theory serves as a guide for these accounts.