This study examines how the compensatory effects of social support received from siblings relate to psychological adjustment in emerging adulthood. Participants completed measures of social support from a variety of sources and several indicators of well-being. Sibling support was associated with lower loneliness and depression and with higher self-esteem and life satisfaction. Also, sibling support compensated for low parental and peer support. Sibling support compensated for low support from mothers for depression and self-esteem. Sibling support compensated for low support from fathers for loneliness, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Finally, sibling support partially compensated for low support from friends for all of the well-being measures and completely compensated for self-esteem, depression, and life satisfaction. The potential benefits of sibling support warrant a closer examination of the wide-ranging issues involved in sibling relations.
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