Siblings of Sisters are Happier, More Optimistic

Study Shows that Girls Aid Family Communication and Improve Health

Apr 21, 2009

Having a sister makes you happier, more optimistic, more balanced and probably healthier in the long run, says a recent study at the University of Ulster in the U.K.

Which is better – sisters or brothers? Science has actually found the answer. A survey of nearly 600 young adults shows that people with sisters have a more positive outlook, more open communication with their families, and fewer mental health problems than those who have brothers or are only children.

Sisters, Brothers, and Your Lifelong Outlook on Happiness

Growing up with at least one girl in the family enables people to communicate better and results in greater overall happiness and optimism, according to the recent study. "Sisters appear to encourage more open communication and cohesion in families," said the study's lead researcher, Professor Tony Cassidy. "Emotional expression is fundamental to good psychological health."

The study surveyed 571 people between the ages of 17 and 25, using questions about their families, daily approach and outlook, and mental health.

The study found that brothers have the opposite effect on their siblings' mental health and happiness, probably because they are more tight-lipped or repressed about their emotions. It was also found that girls with sisters are more achievement oriented and more independent than those without, while the lowest emotional scores were those of boys who had only brothers.

Although it's a generalization rather than a hard and fast rule, the study was conclusive in demonstrating the positive impact of sisters on happiness and mental health and the equivalent detrimental impact of brothers.

What the Study Means for Brothers and Sisters

Cassidy believes that the study's findings could be important in providing support to families during trying times. Because boys are less expressive of their emotions and have less tendency to talk about feelings without the support of a sister, there may be more need for aid in families that have only male children.

"With boys together it is about a conspiracy of silence not to talk. Girls tend to break that down," says Professor Cassidy. "We may have to think carefully about the way we deal with families with lots of boys."

The Impact of Death and Divorce on Families

The effect of sisters is even more notable in families where a loved one has died or a traumatic divorce took place. In these cases, it seems, sisters are especially important in knitting a family together as much as possible, and keeping lines of communication open.

It is well known that mental health and happiness have a long term impact on physical health, particularly where it affects stress, the heart, and the circulatory and immune systems. Although such applications of the University of Ulster research have not yet been explored, siblings may be significant factors in mental and physical health and disease.

Sources

The copyright of the article Siblings of Sisters are Happier, More Optimistic in Inter-Child Relationships is owned by Victoria Anisman-Reiner. Permission to republish Siblings of Sisters are Happier, More Optimistic in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.