A Comparison of Thematic Apperceptions of Sibling Affiliation, Conflict, and Separation at Two Periods of Adulthood

The quality and stability of sibling relationships during adulthood were assessed by comparing TAT themes of sibling affiliation, conflict, and separation at the period of active child-rearing (CR) and the empty nest (EN). Thirty men and thirty women, divided equally between the two life stages, were randomly selected from a pool of individuals who had a same-sex, closely-spaced sibling. The Sibling Thematic Apperception Test (S-TAT) was developed to elicit underlying feelings about the relationship, because traditional methods of assessment have failed to tap its negative qualities. Contrary to previous findings, results showed no differences in affiliation or conflict theme frequencies between the CR and EN periods. Separation themes, however, were more frequent during the CR than the EN period, suggesting that concerns over separation from siblings reflect a developmental process which might be related to bonding with the family of procreation. Although there were no sex differences within life periods, women's stories about sisters across life period had more conflict themes than did men's stories about brothers.