Childhood sibling relationships of eminent canadian women |
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| Authors: | Carolyn R Yewchuk Grace A Schlosser |
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| Institution: | Department of Educational Psychology , University of Alberta , Canada |
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| Abstract: | Sibling relationships within the childhood families of 144 eminent Canadian women are described in this exploratory study into perceived closeness within the sibship. The factors that influenced the closeness of the relationship were sought using thematic analysis of the women's reflections on their childhood. Half of the sample experienced close sibling relationships; half did not. Those who felt close to at least one of their siblings often expressed their own responsibility as well as rivalry within the sibship. Those who did not feel close to their brothers or sisters often blamed the age difference among the children, the perceived favoritism of one child by the parents, and the feeling of the gifted girl of being alone, special, or different. A developmental change in relationships over time was noted, particularly by those women who were not closely bonded to their siblings in childhood. |
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