Sibling Relationships: The Big Picture

Abstract

There is a polarisation in the way sibling relationships are seen. They are extremely complex and variable social relationships. They are sensitive to other intrafamilial relationships. They undergo considerable changes over the course of the lifespan. They provide an arena in which powerful positive features coexist with equally powerful negative ones.

It often seems as though sibling ties could only represent either perfect alliance or insurmountable hatred. (Le Gall, 1998)