The Differential Use of Relational Maintenance Behaviors in Adult Sibling Relationships

Abstract

Extending the research conducted to date on adult siblings' use of relational maintenance behaviors, the purpose of this dual study was to examine whether genetically related siblings (i.e., siblings who are identical twins, fraternal twins, full siblings, or half siblings) used relational maintenance behaviors (i.e., positivity, assurances, openness, networks, and tasks) at a higher rate than nongenetically related siblings (i.e., siblings who are stepsiblings or adopted siblings). The first study (N = 411) examined the differences in the frequency of use of relational maintenance behaviors among identical twins, fraternal twins, full siblings, half siblings, stepsiblings, and adopted siblings; the second study (N = 232) examined the differences in the frequency of use of relational maintenance behaviors with both a full sibling and a stepsibling. The results indicated that generally, genetically related siblings use relational maintenance behaviors at a higher rate than less genetically related siblings.