The power of sibling rivalry­

Sibling rivalry can be a year-round tradition for some families. Researchers at the University of Missouri followed nearly 150 pairs of siblings for a year and found their conflict fell into two overall categories:

1. Conflicts about shared resources and responsibilities that focused on equality and fairness, like whose turn it was to empty the dishwasher or, use the computer or ride in the front seat of the car. These siblings were more likely to become depressed.  

2. Meanwhile, those who argued over privacy and personal space, such as borrowing clothes without asking or entering a room without permission, were more likely to be anxious and have low self-esteem. The most vulnerable for this twist were younger siblings.

The researchers say how these preteens and teens reacted to the conflict had to do with what they believed was at stake. Details about this study are in the journal Child Development.  

Stephen Goforth