Psychosocial Development: Peer Relationships & Siblings

• Characteristics of Sibling Relationships

  • Longest-lasting interpersonal relationship in one's life.
  • Siblings spend more time with each other than with parents.
  • Ascribed relationship, not earned.
  • Long history of shared/non-shared environment.
  • 50% of shared genes (full siblings).
  • Learning opportunities - role model/attachment figure.
  • Power imbalance (dependent on age gap) - rivalry/conflict.
  • Important social partners at home/family environment.
• Characteristics of First-born/Older Siblings

  • Adult-oriented
  • Self-controlled
  • Tolerant
  • Role models - teaching role (responsibilities)
  • Attachment figures
  • Hostile, Aggressive and Jealous
• Older children (Debate & conflicting) & Children (from smaller families) tend to do better academically due to rich stimulating environments and having more social & economic resources.
• When do children who perceive differential treatment from parents develop problems?


  When the relationship between the child and parent is distant and when they perceive their parents' differential behaviour to be justified.
• Peers


  Another child of similar age, status, or abilities.
• Peer groups


  Children other than family members.
• Peer Relations influence development and demand high levels of social skills and reciprocity.
• How do peer relationships change (Infancy 0-2 years)?

  • Infants show interest in other infants (12-18 months)
  • UNDER 2 years - low/short level of peer interaction due to unaccomplished social skills.
  • Secure attachment to mother/caregiver - toddler groups/day nurseries encourage the development of peer skills.
• How do peer relations change (Preschool/early childhood 2-4 years)?

  • Group activities (2/3 children playing together)
  • Increased exposure & interaction with peers = increase in social skills (cooperative/associative play + concrete operational thoughts).
  • Size of peer group increases (older pre-schoolers/early school years).
• How do peer relations change (Middle school years 4-11/12 years)?

  • More time in non-structured interactions with peers
  • Less organised & supervised by adults and exist outside of school/home.
  • Peer group increases
  • Tendency to play with same-sex partners
  • Better understanding of social rules
• How do peer relations change (Adolescence)?

  • More time with peers + independent from parents + more freedom.
  • Peer pressure greatest at 14-15 years.
  • Peers serve as role models for acceptable behaviour.


  Later Adolescence:

  • Crowds - restrict socialisation & reinforce or normalise behaviours (good and bad)
  • Sexual relationships become important