Sibling Relationship Troubles and Well-Being in Middle and Old Age

摘要: Sibling Relationship Troubles and Well-Being in Middle Old Age* Victoria Hilkevitch Bedford** The purpose of this stud) was to investigate whether sibling troubles are related well-being. It predicted that well-being would be greater when more positive cognitive appraisals generated manage the stress engendered by these than fewer made. Qualitative data regarding age-near same-sex siblings were solicited via open-ended questions. These coded for each indication a benefit derived from troubles. Respondents 40 well-educated middle-class men women middle late life. Using multiple regression analyses controlled socio-economic status size social support nen ork, results suggested use affect, but not negative affect. Social also contributed uniquely Notably, these.findings only applied coping with originating childhood, adulthood. findings suggest connection between childhood experiences adulthood Key Words: aging, siblings, support, stress, Many adults do have family traditional sense co-residing spouse dependent children who minors (Bedford & Blieszner, 1997). Kin especially likely constitute primary ties launched their children, ever single, widowed, divorced, childless (Troll, 1986). In present study focus is on one relationship category extended kinship family-the middle-aged older adults. literature tends intergenerational spousal relationships; however, relationships gained visibility recent years (e.g., see reviews Bedford, 1995, Cicirelli, 1995). Although there exceptions, play an important unique role Caring burying parents, settling parental estate often bring into close contact accomplish common goals (Brody, 1990; Matthews Rosner, 1988). As most long-lived relationship, may become valued increasingly age as other dissolve through divorce, death, geographical relocation Avioli, 1989). Siblings sometimes function confidants companions (Connidis Davies, 1992), women. Most people believe will provide help crisis (Bedford, 1995), which has been demonstrated at onset widowhood (Lopata, 1973). longest survivors original family, repository memories partners shared reminiscence (Cicirelli, 1985: Goetting,1986; Gold, 1987). Despite functions little known about contributions wellbeing few studies addressing issue focused Generally speaking, frequency shows no relation (Lee Ihinger-Tallman, 1980) exception. O'Bryant (1988) found widows had sisters higher levels affect did those less sisters. aspects relevant McGhee (1985) rural aged women, simply having sister live nearby associated life satisfaction. Cicirelli closer over 65 felt sisters, symptoms depression they Consistent findings, Wilson, Calsyn, Orlofsky (1994) quality correlated morale contact. Little mechanisms link …