Two factors have been associated with the quality
of sibling relationships: the sex of the
children and their family circumstances. Yet the data on
each issue are complex. This study
examines the sex constellations of sibling pairs in two
groups, one of which had experienced
a major family disruption (parental separation), with
the aim of assessing both influences
more fully. Two 1-hour home observations were conducted on
20 preschool sibling dyads of
separated parents and 24 pairs in which the parents were
married. In both groups the sex
configuration of the sibling pairs was important — same-sex
pairs seemed to show closer
patterns of interaction, and sister-sister dyads were
particularly prosocial. These results
suggest that previous research showing that older sisters
or same-sex pairs interact more are
both partly correct. In addition, preschoolers from
separated families interacted more. The
results suggest that negative life experiences might
promote greater closeness between siblings.