Young Adult Relationships: Siblings and Friends

ABSTRACT One of the primary tasks of young adults is the development of interpersonal relationships. This study compared the interpersonal relationships of young adults' and their closest friend with their closest sibling relationship. The results indicated that subjects felt closer to their friends than their siblings. Relationships with friends were characterized by more positive feelings and less differentiation than sibling relationships. Results indicated that most topics were discussed more frequently with friends and most joint activities were done more often with friends. Females were closer and more involved with both their friends and siblings than were males. The implications of the different relationships on the developmental tasks of young adulthood are discussed.