Full-, Half-, and Step-Sibling Relations in Young and Middle Adulthood

Abstract

This study investigated relationships of full-, half-, and step-siblings in young and middle adulthood with a focus on frequency of contact, emotional closeness, and conflict. We distinguish full-siblings whose parents still live together as a couple (Type 1) from those whose parents separated or died (Type 2). Based on data from Wave 5 of the German Family Panel ( pairfam), we analyzed 8,920 reports from 5,482 respondents representative of three birth cohorts (1991-1993, 1981-1983, and 1971-1973) about their relationships with up to four siblings. Hierarchical linear regression results provided general support for the assumption that although full-siblings of Types 1 and 2 had more contact and felt closer to one another than half-siblings and step-siblings, they also had more conflicts. With one exception (closeness among half-siblings), the results remained stable after controlling for respondent, sibling, and sibling structure characteristics.