Sibling relationships in childhood: Links with friendships and peer relationships

Links between children's relationships with younger siblings, friends and peers were studied in a sample of 5–10‐year‐olds. Measures of children's sibling relationships were collected during home visits. Mothers and children were interviewed about children's friendships. Teachers and mothers reported on children's peer relationships and rated children's temperament. Results showed that children's sibling relationships were not associated with peer relationships; however, there were some links between children's relationships with siblings and friends. Ratings of children's temperament were associated with the quality of children's relationships with both friends and peers. Taken together these predictors accounted for 7–35 per cent of the variance in children's friendships and peer relationships. Results highlight the importance of distinguishing between close friendships and peer relationships when studying children's development.