The Effects of Parenting and Temperament Similarity Among Adolescent Siblings on Positive Family Relationships

Xinxin Shi,Nicole Campione-Barr

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.702000

Xinxin Shi, Nicole Campione-Barr

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.702000

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Abstract

The detrimental effects of parental differential treatment have been shown in previous research, but fewer researchers have pointed out that differential treatment does not always lead to negative outcomes. Thus, the present study examines the role of temperament similarity on the association between parenting similarity and positive family relationship qualities over 1 year in 145 adolescent sibling dyads (Mfirst−born = 14.97 and SD = 1.68 years; Msecond−born = 12.20 and SD = 1.92 years). Latent moderator structure models (LMS) showed that a higher level of parenting similarity was related to more positive family relationships when siblings were more similar in their temperaments; however, a lower level of parenting similarity was related to more positive relationship qualities with family members 1 year later in the context of less sibling temperament similarity.

Highlights

Adolescence is a special transitional period from childhood to adulthood
Temperament similarity was proved to be correlated to positive relationship qualities significantly, higher level of “adaptive” similarity was related to higher level of positive older-father relationship quality (r = 0.16, p< 0.10), “approach vs. withdrawal” similarity was related to higher level of positive older-younger sibling relationship quality (r = 0.23, p < 0.05), “rhythmicity” similarity was related to lower level of positive older-mother relationship quality (r = −0.16, p < 0.10); higher level of “threshold” similarity was related to lower level of positive younger-mother relationship quality (r = −0.19, p < 0.05)
Simple slope analyses indicated that when siblings were high on temperament similarity, a higher level of paternal parenting similarity reported by younger siblings was related to a higher level of positive relationship qualities with their fathers (B = 13.943, SE = 9.630, t = 1.448, and p > 0.05); when siblings were low on temperament similarity, a higher level of paternal parenting similarity reported by older siblings was Previous research on parental differential treatment of siblings has typically found it to be detrimental to youth adjustment and their relationships (Brody et al, 1992, 1998); psychologists encourage parents to be sensitive in their responses to needs and temperamental characteristics of individual children (Sanson and Rothbart, 1995; Bates et al, 2012)

Summary

Introduction

Adolescence is a special transitional period from childhood to adulthood. The rapid biological and cognitive development can lead to temporary perturbations in interpersonal relationships, which can lead to emotional problems (Schwartz et al, 2015), and the potential development of the health of adolescents (Pompili et al, 2012). From a family systems perspective, parents are often considered the family members who set the tone for the family environment, the type of parenting adolescents receive is an important factor to consider in their relationships with their family members (Milevsky et al, 2011). This may be especially important in families with two or more children, as family systems theory asserts that all family sub-systems (e.g., parentchild, sibling) and individuals impact the functioning and well-being of all other sub-systems and individuals (Cox and Paley, 1997). The primary aim of the present study is to examine the interactive effect of parenting similarity and sibling temperament similarity on the quality of the relationships among the family members

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