By Sumedha
Introduction
Sibling support can directly enhance well-being and serve as a protective factor against the challenges of adolescence. In contrast, a sibling relationship marked by frequent conflict, power imbalances, and a perceived lack of support may lead to increased depressive symptoms, as it can foster negative emotions, feelings of loneliness, and lower self-esteem.
How do they affect you?
Emotional support - Siblings can play a significant role in supporting the recovery of a brother or sister with a mental health condition. Open communication between siblings and adolescents about the condition is crucial. Understanding the disorder and the individual's mental health can help siblings respond with empathy, patience, and cooperation, reducing frustration with their sibling's behavior and mood.
Research indicates that siblings can be especially valuable in situations where social interactions are limited and parental support alone is insufficient. By offering emotional and practical support and creating opportunities for socialization, siblings can aid their brother or sister in reintegrating into social environments.
Rivalry - Sibling rivalry is influenced both by the dynamics within the family and the individual personalities involved. Everyday interactions and milestones, such as sharing toys, bedroom spaces, or attention at family events, often fuel these competitive feelings. Achievements in school or sports can also act as triggers, particularly when parents unintentionally compare siblings to one another. There are various effects like short-term effects and long-term effects.
1. Short-term effects - short term effects are like having an ongoing identity crisis and belonging within the family unit, it can create resilience and unchecked competition for emotional distress.
2. Long-term effects - long-term effects are like having a personal identity, a blueprint for relations, and negotiation skills. They constantly feel overshadowed and feel like they are not good enough, etc. This also affects their future relations because they seem to have a competitive side and want to win every time. Because of this, they have remarkable negotiation skills and compromise.
Coping mechanisms
1. Family therapy
2. Conflict resolution
3. Parental mediation
4. Peer influence
REFERENCES
Sibling Relationships and Adolescents' Mental Health. (n.d.). Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258151013_Sibling_Relationships_and_Adolescents'_Mental_Health
Heart It Out. (n.d.). How can siblings support adolescents in their mental health journey? Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://heartitout.in/blogs/how-can-siblings-support-adolescents-in-their-mental-health-journey/
Brighter Tomorrow Therapy. (n.d.). Sibling rivalry and its long-term effects. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.brightertomorrowtherapy.com/blog/sibling-rivalry-and-its-long-term-effects
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