Tag Page AdultSiblings

Why sibling rivalry intensifies in adulthood​

Sibling conflicts often intensify in adulthood due to several factors. Firstly, the reshaping of family structure creates a centrifugal force as each sibling forms new families, becoming new "emotional gravity centers." Secondly, role expectation discrepancies can lead to cognitive dissonance. For instance, an older sibling might unconsciously expect the same childhood interaction with a younger sibling, who now has adult role perceptions. Additionally, the phenomenon of emotional account overdraft occurs when there's a lack of positive interactions. Continuous negative emotions like arguments and misunderstandings deplete this account. Lastly, intergenerational trauma transmission plays a role; many sibling conflicts are actually the transfer of unresolved parental conflicts. Understanding these reasons can help siblings navigate their relationships better. Have you experienced any of these conflicts? Share your thoughts! ​​#SiblingRivalry #AdultSiblings #FamilyRelations