Degree

BS (Social Sciences & Liberal Arts)

Faculty / School

School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS)

Department

Department of Social Sciences & Liberal Arts

Date of Award

Spring 2026

Date of Submission

2026-07-16

Advisor

Dr. Tehzeeb Sakina Amir, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Sciences & Liberal Arts

Committee

Ms. Hajrah Rahman, Lecturer, Department of Social Sciences & Liberal Arts

Project Type

SSLA Culminating Experience

Access Type

Restricted Access

Keywords

Sibling rivalry, adult sibling relationships, family dynamics, perceived role, middle children

Abstract

This research explored the impact of childhood sibling rivalries on the adult relationship of middleborn individuals with their siblings. To understand the connection between their childhood sibling relationship and current sibling relationship dynamic, this research collected qualitative data with purposive and snowball sampling, conducting 30-40 minutes long semi-structured interviews from seven middleborn individuals aged 18-25. The interview questionnaire was self-designed, revolving around five major themes: childhood experiences and memories with siblings, current sibling relationship dynamics, parental involvement and influence, family structure and broader dynamics, and sociocultural factors. Thematic analysis, following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework, was used to analyse and transcribe the interviews manually by organising it into codes and emerging themes. The findings showed most middle children develop feelings of resentment, envy and hostility towards either of their siblings at least once in their life, reporting to have experienced loneliness and unfairness from parents. However, parental involvement during childhood conflicts can simultaneously contribute in fostering a healthier relationship in adulthood, with most participants describing stronger relationships and resolved conflicts over the course of time. While birth order may play an active role in influencing sibling rivalries, factors like: living situations, cultural ideas, age and gender differences, as well as family structures were found to significantly impact the nature of sibling relationships, in terms of perceived roles and closeness levels. The findings suggested sibling relationship and experience is not fixed and limited to birth order, but isactively negotiated around the above factors. Insights from these findings are useful for middle children, parents, and mental health practitioners in understanding sibling relational patterns.

Pages

87

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