Psychological study of siblings subsystems – methodological considerations

Abstract

Introduction: The analysis of the literature devoted to scientific considerations on the relational aspect of the functioning of siblings, especially those who are in adulthood, allows us to draw the conclusion that they are relatively rarely undertaken by researchers. It is noticed that nowadays there is an increase in interest in this issue. The aims of the work were to consider some of the limitations occurring in the process of conducting psychological research on the sibling subsystem and to present tools for psychological measurement of the quality and dimension of the interpersonal relationship between siblings. Method: The method of content analysis of publications in this field was used and a comparative analysis of issues undertaken in the context of psychological research on the relational aspects of the functioning of siblings was carried out. Results: Five self-report questionnaire tools that were developed in 2014-2017 were presented along with their psychometric properties: Adult Sibling Relationships Questionnaire, Adult Sibling Family Relations Scale, STQ - Now, STQ – Then and Relationships Questionnaire with Siblings. Conclusions: The specificity of research on interpersonal relationships in the sibling subsystem is related to methodological awareness of the high complexity of the family environment and knowledge of the uniqueness of sibling relationships. The researcher's consideration of both issues creates space for searching for new methodological solutions.