A recently-released study conducted at Brigham Young University has found that siblings, especially sisters, can improve the mental health of adolescents.

The study, led by Laura Padilla-Walker, a professor in BYU's School of Family Life, included 395 families with multiple children, at least one of whom was between the ages of 10 and 14.

The study showed that having a sister protected against many of the negative feelings that plague middle-schoolers: loneliness, guilt, self-consciousness and fear. No statistical significance was found regarding the age difference of the sisters or whether they were younger or older than their adolescent sibling.

Though the study had striking findings regarding sisters, brothers had their own significance. Researchers found that having a loving sibling of either sex promoted good deeds, such as helping a neighbor or watching out for other kids at school.

The study found, perhaps somewhat surprisingly, that loving siblings influenced charitable habits in one another more than parents did. The correlation between sibling affection and good deeds was twice as strong as that between parenting and good deeds.

Padilla-Walker has a message for everyone involved in a child's life. "The message is to encourage sibling affection,” she said. “Once they get to adolescence, it’s going to be a big protective factor.”

Remember, Auntie - the relationships kids have with their siblings today can have a lasting effect on their relationships into adulthood. Lead by example in your interactions with the parents of your nieces and nephews. Help them cultivate a supportive, loving relationship now and they'll grow up to be the future Savvy Aunties and Uncles of the world!

Published: August 11, 2010