Differential Associations Between Domains of Sibling Conflict and Adolescent Emotional Adjustment

Issues of equality and fairness and invasion of the personal domain, 2 previously identified topic areas of adolescent sibling conflict (N. Campione-Barr & J. G. Smetana, 2010), were examined in 145dyads (Mfirst-born=14.97, SD=1.69years; Msecond-born=12.20, SD=1.90years) for their differential effects on youths' emotional adjustment over 1year. The impact of internalizing symptoms on later sibling conflicts also was tested. Invasion of the personal domain conflicts were associated with higher levels of anxiety and lower self-esteem 1year later, whereas Equality and Fairness issues were associated with greater depressed mood. Conversely, greater internalizing symptomatology and lower self-esteem predicted more of both types of conflict. Moderating influences of gender and ordinal position were also examined.