Siblings, a source of both challenge and companionship, wield significant influence in one’s life. 

Sisters seem to be a notably positive force, as a 2010 study published in the Journal of Family Psychology seems to suggest. 

Conducted at Brigham Young University in Utah, the research encompassed 395 families, all with siblings aged between 10 and 14. The study, led by Alexander (Alex) Jensen, an assistant professor in the School of Family Life, underscored how sisters play a pivotal role in honing crucial social skills such as communication, compromise, and negotiation.

The research emphasised that robust sisterly bonds yield emotional and psychological benefits, diminishing feelings of loneliness, guilt, self-consciousness, and fear. 

Jensen highlighted how sisters offer steadfast support, often acting as linchpins in maintaining family connections after the passing of parents. Sisters provide an unwavering source of encouragement, dispelling any notion of facing hardships alone.

Furthermore, disagreements between siblings, if managed with affection, serve as valuable lessons in emotional regulation. Laura Padilla-Walker, the lead study author and a professor at BYU’s School of Family Life, underscored the significance of learning to navigate conflicts with composure. 

Sisters’ displays of compassion and love translate into kinder, more generous social behaviour.

The research also revealed that individuals with sisters tend to possess superior communication skills, benefiting both men and women in their interactions with the opposite gender. 

Beyond this study, Jeffrey Kluger, author of “The Sibling Effect,” echoed the sentiment, emphasising how sisters excel in conflict resolution, imparting valuable skills in handling tough discussions for both older and younger siblings.

#MaltaDaily