A Remarkable Alliance: Sibling Autonomy Support and Goal Progress in Emerging Adulthood

Abstract

ObjectiveThe present study used a self‐determination theory framework to investigate whether sibling autonomy support enhanced goal progress, need satisfaction, and well‐being during emerging adulthood.BackgroundPrior research has demonstrated that autonomy support from parents was significantly more beneficial for emerging adults than similar support from peers. However, little is known about sibling autonomy support on goal progress, need satisfaction, and subjective well‐being.MethodsA five‐wave prospective longitudinal study was conducted across four consecutive school years (2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018) and included a total of 1,544 university students (82% female; mean age 20.44) who answered surveys. Separate hierarchical multiple regression analyses for parent, peer, and sibling support were conducted.ResultsAlthough goal support from siblings was much less common than support from parents and peers (13% vs. 70% and 82%, respectively), the effects of sibling support paralleled those obtained for parental support, demonstrating higher goal progress, need satisfaction, and subjective well‐being over the year. The beneficial effect of sibling autonomy support on well‐being was mediated by enhanced goal progress and need satisfaction.ConclusionThe results indicate that turning to siblings for support when pursuing goals can be highly advantageous as long as it is empathic rather than directive.ImplicationPractitioners should address sibling dynamics when working with emerging adults, as autonomy‐supportive siblings were associated with greater goal progress and need satisfaction, which together enhanced well‐being over time.