Life Course Associations of Sibling Relationships and Cognitive Functioning in Late Adulthood
Jooyoung Kong1, Sara M Moorman2, Gina Lee3
1Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
Summary
Positive childhood sibling interactions promote lifelong sibling closeness and later-life cognitive function. Conversely, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to reduced sibling contact and cognitive decline in older adulthood.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Developmental Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- The life course perspective emphasizes linked lives, suggesting individual development is influenced by social relationships.
- Sibling relationships evolve over the lifespan and may impact long-term well-being.
- Cognitive functioning in late adulthood is a critical area of gerontological research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the lifelong associations between sibling relationships and cognitive functioning in older adulthood.
- To investigate the mediating roles of adult sibling closeness and contact.
- To explore the influence of childhood experiences on these associations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study's sibling cohort.
- Employed multilevel structural equation modeling to test a mediational model.
- Assessed cognitive functioning using the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-modified (TICS-m) in participants' early 80s.
Main Results:
- Positive childhood sibling interactions predicted greater adult sibling closeness and contact.
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) were associated with reduced adult sibling closeness and contact.
- Childhood sibling interactions indirectly enhanced cognitive function via later sibling contact; ACEs indirectly impaired cognitive function.
Conclusions:
- Childhood family experiences significantly shape adult sibling relationships and cognitive health in later life.
- Nurturing sibling relationships throughout life may confer cognitive benefits for older adults.
- Frequent contact with adult siblings is associated with better cognitive outcomes in late adulthood.
Keywords:
Adult sibling contactAdverse childhood experiencesChildhood sibling relationshipsWisconsin Longitudinal StudyMore Related Videos
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