Abstract

This study aims to explore sibling relationships and communications methods to peer relationships in college during the transition to young adulthood. During these periods of technology and digital ways of communication, this research studies how the methods we use to communicate with our siblings while away from them have an impact on quality of these family relationships. Additionally, it tests if the strength of the sibling relationship successively influences an individual's ability to form secure attachments with peers and direct social situations in college.

This study involved College of Wooster students (ages 18-22) recruited through the SONA system and additional participants (ages 18-25) recruited from Cloud Connect to ensure a broader age range. All participants must have at least one existing sibling. Participants completed an online survey assessing their main ways of communication with a sibling, their perceived sibling relationship warmth using the Lifespan Sibling Relationship Scale, and the quality of their peer relationships using the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment.

I hypothesize that a more diverse means and frequency of communication will be a significant predictor of higher sibling warmth. Furthermore, a stronger sibling relationship is expected to predict more secure peer attachments and greater confidence in social interactions in college. The findings aim to clarify how sibling relationships, maintained through modern technology means of communication, provide a foundational support system that raises social skills and friendships in young adulthood.

The results showed a significant positive correlation between sibling communication methods and peer attachment quality, indicating that more frequent and diverse communication with siblings predicts stronger friendships in college. However, contrary to hypotheses, greater sibling communication was significantly negatively correlated with sibling relationship quality. Gender differences were discovered, with males reporting higher overall sibling relationship quality while females reported higher peer attachment quality. Geographic proximity showed no significant association with any relational outcomes. These findings suggest that while sibling communication may support peer relationship development, the association between communication frequency and sibling warmth is more complex than I thought, possibly reflecting the involuntary nature of family bonds compared to voluntary peer relationships. The findings refine how sibling relationships, maintained through modern technology, may provide a foundational support system that enhances social skills and friendships in young adulthood, though the mechanisms differ from initial predictions.

Keywords: Sibling relationships, peer attachment, communication modality, young adulthood, college students, social self-efficacy, family systems, digital communication.

Advisor

Casey, Micheal

Department

Psychology

Publication Date

2026

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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