Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026

Assessment of Social Interaction Behaviors
Published on: February 25, 2011
GROWING UP WITHOUT SIBLINGS AND ADULT SOCIABILITY BEHAVIORS
Katherine Trent1, Glenna D Spitze
1Department of Sociology and Center for Social and Demographic Analysis, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, .
Abstract:
We use data from the National Survey of Families and Households to examine a range of sociability behaviors for adults who grew up with and without siblings. Compared to adults who grew up with siblings, adults who grew up without siblings have less frequent social activities with relatives, and the difference is greater among those who did not live with both parents growing up. Differences in engaging in certain social events between adults who grew up without and with siblings vary by age. Differences in participation in sports, youth, or school related group activities for those who grew up without and with siblings vary by gender. Thus, there are some differences in adult sociability behaviors between those who grew up with and without siblings; however, our pattern of findings suggests that these differences are not large or pervasive across a range of sociability behaviors and may grow smaller with age.
Related Concept Videos
Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings
Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adulthood
Intimacy Versus Isolation in Early Adulthood
Individuals in early adulthood, from the 20s...
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types
Stella Chess...
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Relationship with Parents: Attachment

