Strong sibling bond can help children recuperate from mental health problems
New Delhi, Jun 24 (ANI): A recent study in child development suggests that strong sibling bonds could help children recuperate from mental health problems, caused by parental strife. Children who experience recurrent conflicts between their parents are at a higher risk of developing mental health problems. Adolescents who had witnessed high levels of acrimony between their parents had greater distressed responses to parental conflict a year later. Research shows teens with strong sibling relationships are protected from experiencing distress in response to later parental discord. Researchers say that, Children may be using their siblings as sources of protection and emotional support as attachment figures. Siblings may develop friendship bonds that involve shared warmth, disclosure about concerns, support and corrective feedback enhancing family life. A good relationship with a brother or sister reduces heightened vulnerability for youth exposed to conflicts between their parents by decreasing their tendencies to experience distress in response to later disagreements between their parents.
