Sharing life together: Sibling's relationships while attending the same college

• Published in: Personal relationships 2021-12, Vol.28 (4), p.927-939
• Main Authors: Younkin, Felisha L., Firmin, Michael W., Belles, Ashley, Hardman, Moriah L., Holloway, Michaela E., Patrick, David R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: college experience; family systems theory; qualitative research; Siblings; System theory
• ISSN: 1350-4126; 1475-6811
• DOI: 10.1111/pere.12395

The present qualitative, phenomenological study involved semi‐structure interviews of 18 sibling pairs (n = 36) together at a private, selective, comprehensive, Midwest university. Since the support of siblings is important throughout the lifespan, but siblings typically have less contact during emerging adulthood, the study of sibling relationships while attending college together is a salient area of study. From the perspective of family systems theory, we report three common themes among the participants regarding their experience of attending college together. First, the siblings reported that they felt a shared loyalty to one another. This dynamic displayed itself in their reported desire to stand up for one another and to “have one another's back.” Second, the siblings reported a new sense of a closer connection as a result of attending college together. This construct was said to have occurred in the form of a renewed appreciation for one another and also a desire not to take one another for granted. Finally, the participants reported a sense of openness and sharing with one another that occurred during their college experience. This dynamic reportedly occurred partly because the siblings were able to have shared and similar experiences together at college. The participants reported that having this daily, face‐to‐face interaction positively contributed to their openness and share with one another.