Het effect van siblingrelatie en ouder-kindrelatie op hechting aan leeftijdsgenoten.

Objectives The aim of this study was to identify links between two types of relationships of adolescents and peer attachment. First we studied warmth and conflict in the sibling relationship. Second, we looked at support and negative interaction in parent-child relationships. We expected to find positive effects on warmth in the sibling relationship and support in the parent-child relationship and negative effects in sibling conflict and negative interaction in parent-child relationship. Method We modelled the effects of sibling relationships on peer attachment and parent-child relationships on peer attachment using linear regression. We used data based on a self-report questionnaire distributed among Dutch first graders (N=892) attending five different Dutch high schools. Instruments included the Network of Relationship Inventory (NRI), the Sibling Relationship Questionnaire (SRQ) and the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (IPPA). The age of the adolescents had a range between 11 to 14 years (M = 12, 5 years, SD = 0,58). Results Significant main effects were found in sibling warmth on peer attachment, but no effects were found for sibling conflict. The effect of parent support on peer attachment was significant and no effects were found for negative interaction in parent-child relationships. We found no differences in support from fathers or support from mothers. Conclusion This study has shown the importance of within-family relations. These social structures contribute to a healthy basis for the development of adolescents into adulthood. Particularly, support in the parent-child relationship and warmth in the sibling relationship appears to have an effect on peer attachment. This knowledge can be important when implementing new interventions in families containing dysfunctional relationships