| Building on emerging evidence of the importance of sibling relationships to social and emotional development, this study investigated direct effects of sibling relationship quality to children's social/emotional competence, friendship quality, and friendship expectations in middle childhood. LVPLS analysis was utilized to investigate proposed associations between these elements. The later sibling relationship significantly predicted friendship quality in a positive direction, and friendship quality significantly predicted friendship expectations. Although not examined, it was suspected that other factors masked the impact of the sibling relationship on friendship expectations. When examining changes in the sibling relationship, conflict increased and closeness decreased. The preschool sibling relationship significantly predicted the later sibling relationship; however, in a negative direction, which was not able to be explained. Study limitations and directions for future research were discussed. |
