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Using distance regulation for the study of sibling relationship quality, romantic relationships, and interpersonal and intrapersonal factors

Palmer, Elizabeth Northup , Palmer
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1500469586490535

Abstract Details

2017, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Human Ecology: Human Development and Family Science.
The sibling bond is likely the longest, most resilient relationship in one’s life. Subsequently, the sibling relationship is a strong predictor of outcomes across the lifespan, including positive intimate relationships, feelings of self-worth, and social skills. The purpose of this dissertation was to use Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST) to examine individual’s perception of their sibling relationships and the connection with interpersonal and intrapersonal factors, and to explore the congruence of sibling and romantic relationship distance regulation. Online research listservs were used to recruit participants (N=476). A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used to explore quantitative survey items. The Lifespan Sibling Relationship Scale (LSRS) was used to assess the sibling relationship in childhood and adulthood. The Social Connectedness Scale-Revised (SCSR) and the Separation-Individuation Test of Adolescence (SITA) were used to measure distance regulation. Interpersonal and intrapersonal factors included depression, general perceptions of health, and couple relationship satisfaction. BFST was used to explore four hypotheses: 1) The “closest” siblings will be same-sex dyads, with sisters being the closest among all the dyads; 2) Siblings that are <= 2.5 years of age will have a closer relationships than those > 2.5 years apart in age; 3) Individuals’ perceptions of the sibling relationship in childhood and adulthood are related; and 4) The sibling relationship in childhood and adulthood are predictive of inter/intrapersonal factors. In addition, three research questions were explored: 1) Are there common characteristics of the selected “influential sibling” for participants with more than one sibling?; 2) What is the relationship between sibling and couple distance regulation?; and 3) To what extent does sibling and couple distance regulation mediate the influence of the sibling relationship on inter/intrapersonal factors? Correlations confirmed a significant relationship between the sibling relationship in childhood and adulthood (r(476)=.45, p<.001). A one-way ANOVA demonstrated sisters were the closest on both the LSRS (F(3, 458)= 7.87, p<.001), and the SCSR (F(3, 458)=5.38, p=.001). There were not significant differences between siblings > or <= 2.5 years apart in age. The subsample of participants in a romantic relationship was used (n=338) to test the conceptual model using structural equation modeling. First, a direct effects model assessed the influence of the adult and sibling relationship on depression, general perceptions of health, and couple relationship satisfaction. Results showed significant paths from the child sibling relationship to depression (ß=-.14, p<.05) and couple relationship satisfaction (ß=.21, p<.05). Then, sibling and couple distance regulation were added as mediating variables to complete the model. Fit indices for the overall model were strong: X2(56)=76.41 (p=.036); NFI=.974;CFI=.993; RMSEA=.033. There were significant indirect effects of the paths from the child sibling relationship, through couple distance regulation, to general perceptions of health (ß=.04, p<.05), depression (ß=-.02, p<.05), and couple relationship satisfaction (ß=.29, p<.05). These results provide evidence for the importance of the sibling relationship in childhood on interpersonal and intrapersonal factors in adulthood. Additionally, distance regulation may be a useful concept to examine how this influence occurs. Applications of the results to mental health clinicians, and strengths, limitations and future directions are discussed herein.
Keeley Pratt, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Suzanne Bartle-Haring , Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Kelly Purtell, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
130 p.
Families and Family Life; Individual and Family Studies; Mental Health; Personal Relationships; Therapy
Bowen Family Systems Theory; Couple and Family Therapy; Distance Regulation; Sibling Relationship; Differentiation

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Palmer, Palmer, E. N. (2017). Using distance regulation for the study of sibling relationship quality, romantic relationships, and interpersonal and intrapersonal factors [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1500469586490535

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Palmer, Palmer, Elizabeth. Using distance regulation for the study of sibling relationship quality, romantic relationships, and interpersonal and intrapersonal factors . 2017. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1500469586490535.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Palmer, Palmer, Elizabeth. "Using distance regulation for the study of sibling relationship quality, romantic relationships, and interpersonal and intrapersonal factors ." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1500469586490535

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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