An Analysis of Relational Maintenance and Conflict in Geographically Distanced Sibling Relationships

Includes bibliographical references (pages 48-53).Sibling relationships are considered one of the longest peer relationships people maintain over the course of their lifetimes. However, less is known about the interpersonal communicative behaviors in nonvoluntary relationships, such as the sibling relationship. This study proposed an extension of Olson???s circumplex model, a model predominately used to analyze and treat families going through therapy. This extension and application of the model introduced dimensions of relational communication to the family context of sibling relationships. Dimensions explored in this study were relational maintenance behaviors (RMBs), conflict, relational quality, and birth spacing among geographically distanced sibling pairs. Specifically, it was expected that siblings balanced on the dimensions of cohesion and flexibility would communicate and function more effectively than unbalanced sibling relationships. An online survey was completed by 297 participants located at a large southwestern university. Results primarily supported the hypothesis concerning balanced sibling relationships as proposed by the circumplex model. Specifically, balanced sibling relationships predominately utilized more RMBs than unbalanced sibling relationships. Balanced sibling pairs also reported lower levels of conflict than unbalanced sibling pairs. The use of positive communication was associated with perceptions of conflict competence, and such perceptions of competence were associated with relational quality. Additionally, this study analyzed how geographic distance played a role in balanced family relationships and use of relational maintenance behaviors. However, effects of geographic distance on the sibling relationship appeared minimal. It appears that short-term or temporary distance does not significantly affect siblings??? uses of RMBs, frequency of conflict, or relational quality. Implications for this analysis include support for sibling dyads going through times of change and application of Olson???s circumplex model to effectively functioning sibling pairs. After further discussion of theoretical and practical implications, this analysis concludes with limitations and directions for future research