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Links between older and younger adolescent siblings' adjustment: The moderating role of shared activities

University of New Hampshire, c.j.tucker{at}unh.edu

Susan M. McHale

Pennsylvania State University

Ann C. Crouter

Pennsylvania State University

Siblings' constructive and unstructured shared activities were examined as moderators of the links between first- and second-born siblings' adjustment across a two-year period in adolescence. Siblings (N = 189 dyads) reported on their depression, peer competency, self worth during home interviews, and their time together in constructive (e.g., sports, hobbies) and unstructured (e.g., hanging out) activities during seven nightly phone interviews. Siblings spent an average of 10 hours together across seven days, about 12% in constructive and 25% in unstructured activities. Regression analyses revealed that, controlling for adjustment at Time 1, associations between siblings' adjustment scores were moderated by siblings' constructive and unstructured shared time. These patterns were most evident in mixed-sex dyads.

Key Words: adolescence • siblings • time use • well being

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This Article Abstract Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in ISI Web of Science Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Google Scholar Articles by Tucker, C. J. Articles by Crouter, A. C. Social Bookmarking                   What's this?