Medical expert of the article
New publications
Quarrels between brothers and sisters can lead to depression
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
New Year holidays are getting closer, which means that soon there will be beautiful Christmas trees in our apartments and Christmas lights will be lit. For children, the New Year is a special holiday filled with joy and expectation of gifts from Santa Claus, which he leaves under the Christmas tree.
But scientists argue that even such a bright holiday as the New Year can be overshadowed by endless quarrels between brothers and sisters. The main reason for such quarrels and conflicts is that teenagers violate each other's personal space and can not share things or the right to who will sit down to play a new game. Therefore, even gifts under the tree can bring not joy, but only to inflame a new conflict.
During many years of research, scientists from the University of Missouri studied the nature of conflicts that arise between adolescents, which is especially true for brothers and sisters. Specialists came to the conclusion that there are two main types of conflicts. One of them flares up against the backdrop of the child's private space and attempts to take him to another. Such proceedings negatively affect the emotional health of children and therefore parents should try not to allow conflicts on this ground between children.
"Our research shows that conflict situations associated with the violation of personal space are associated with low self-esteem and self-doubt in adulthood," says Nicole Campione-Barr, a specialist in psychological research. "Constant emotional shaking can lead a child to deep depression within a few years."
The experts observed the relations of 145 pairs of brothers and sisters for twelve months, the average age of the children was 12-15 years. Teenagers were offered to evaluate various variants of conflict situations and note their frequency, intensity and duration. There were two main reasons for quarrels between teenagers: violation of personal space and scandals, inflaming because of injustice and inequality. Then the scientists compared the responses of adolescents, their condition, as well as the degree of anxiety and anxiety.
"Despite the fact that parents are trying to pacify children and take a direct part in resolving the conflict, scientists say that adults should not interfere," says Dr. Campione-Barr.
Specialists recommend setting rules in the house, which all must follow without exception. First, before entering anybody's room, be sure to knock and ask for permission to enter. Thus, it will be possible to substantially reduce outbreaks of discontent among adolescents, who are particularly sensitive to the intrusion into their territory. Also, to reduce quarrels and constant trials will help to distribute responsibilities between children and a schedule, at least conditional, that would help children to orient themselves, whose turn to sit down for a video game, etc.
In the event that the relations of brothers and sisters cause anxiety and apart from a verbal skirmish in the course of kulaks, and if parents are no longer able to pacify the raging teenagers, then one should not waste time, but as soon as possible contact a specialist.
Strong and healthy relationships in the family are extremely important in later life.
[