Processes of Sibling Influence in Adolescence: Individual and Family Correlates*

Abstract: This study examined the nature and correlates of adolescents’ perceptions of sibling influence. Participants included 2 siblings (firstborn age M= 17.34; second‐born age M= 14.76 years) from 191 maritally intact families. Adolescents’ perceptions of sibling influence were measured via coded responses to open‐ended questions about whether their sibling had an influence on them. Analyses revealed that older and younger siblings reported different patterns of influence. Differentiation influence and being a role model were more prevalent for firstborns, whereas modeling and modeling plus differentiation were more prevalent for second‐borns. First‐ and second‐borns’ reports of influence were linked differentially to their relational and personal qualities. Discussion focuses on the need to refine the measurement of sibling influence processes.