Study Finds That Sisters Protect Siblings From Depression
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Well folks, the science is in. It turns out that having a sister is great for your health! OK, perhaps that’s a bit of an overstatement, but research does suggest that having a sister protects young teens from a whole host of negative emotions, including feeling unloved, guilty, self-conscious and fearful. (1)
The 2010 study performed by researchers at Brigham Young University, looked at 395 families in the Seattle area with two or more children. At least one child in the family had to be between 10-14 years of age. The research confirmed what many of us have already thought… a caring sibling relationship has a positive effect on many aspects of our life. (1)
Little Sisters Have Big Effects
There were many interesting revelations that came about as a result of this research. One noteworthy thing is that it didn’t seem to matter where the sister was in the birth order… younger or older… having a sister in the house helps those 10-14-year-olds keep a positive outlook.
Brigham Young University professor Laura Padilla-Walker is the lead author on this research, which is an offshoot of Brigham Young’s Flourishing Families Project. A large amount of data was gathered on the nearly 400 families, then follow-up occurred one year later. Their statistical analysis showed that sisters protect their adolescent siblings from the negative feelings that often lead to depression. Guilt, self-consciousness, and fear were not as much of an issue as they are in other households, and the age of the sisters didn’t seem to matter. Nor the age difference between sibling counterparts. (1)
Sisters Rule, And Brothers… Are Pretty Awesome Too
But before all you sisters go off and gloat to your brothers, it’s important to note that brothers tend to have a positive effect on things too. Their research showed that a loving sibling connection with either gender promoted a more kind disposition. Good deeds like helping a parent with chores, or befriending the new kid at school, were more prevalent in kids with this strong sibling connection. In fact, it showed that siblings have a greater effect here than loving parents. The relationship between sibling affection and good deeds was twice as strong when compared to parenting and good deeds. (1)
At the end of the day, the research has good things to say not only about sisters but brothers too. One thing is for certain: Growing up with siblings changes you forever. With each addition of a new family member, the dynamic shifts as that new member takes their place. Some are more serious, protective, stoic. Others are funny, providing comic relief in the family. Over time, we take on little bits of our siblings. We adopt their mannerisms, or ways of being, as we see them move through life. Perhaps that’s why the research is so positive… it’s the influence of these other beings, also finding their own way in life, making sense of things one day at a time. When we have the support of our siblings, we possess strong connections with others. We see options, and we know we’re not alone. Feelings of sadness and depression have a harder time taking root in such conditions, and that’s one great reason to feel thankful for your sisters (and brothers) today!
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