Sibling Relationships in Adulthood and Old Age: A Case Study of Taiwan

Abstract

Using data from a study of 1996 adults aged 20 and older in Taiwan, this study examines the changing pattern of sibling relationships in adulthood across the life span, including young adulthood, middle age and old age. This study provides evidence that sibling ties in general provide more help in the form of social companionship and emotional support, and less in instrumental support. Furthermore, sibling contact and sibling support both vary inversely with age. In comparison to people in young adulthood and middle age, older people have less contact with siblings, and they also receive less assistance from siblings. This present study shows that the hypothesis generated by the life course perspective for analysis of changes in sibling relationships across life span is not supported. The results show that brother—brother dyads tend to provide the most help, which is different from the findings in western society where women are kin keepers. Such difference illustrates how the family—kinship institution affects sibling relationships across different cultures. Social companionship with siblings is a significant predictor of actual support from siblings, irrespective of whether it is emotional or instrumental in form.