Factors Influencing Sibling Cohesiveness in The Indian Families

This study explores some of the factors affecting sibling cohesiveness in the Indian families. The variables studied were number of siblings, size of the sibling group, age difference between the siblings, family structure, and perceived parental favoritism. For the measurement of sibling cohesiveness, Sibling Relationship Questionnaire was developed, while parental favoritism, was assessed with the help of Parental Favoritism Scale (Bohra, I991). Information regarding the number of siblings, size of the sibling group, age difference between the siblings, and family structure were collected separately. Hundred and twenty adolescents (aged 12-20 years) were administered questionnaires to measure perceived parental favoritism and cohesiveness with their siblings. Data were analyzed using a 2-way ANOVA, t-test, and product moment correlations. Results showed that gender of the sibling, absence of one parent, and parental favoritism effected sibling cohesiveness, and family structure, size of the sibling group, and age difference with the sibling did not showed any effect.