
Have a witness to the power of sibling love. The Journal of Family Psychology published a study that revealed that sisters give rise to an extraordinary ability to shield their siblings from the exhausting pain of loneliness, the feeling of being unloved, self-consciousness, guilt and fear.
The sisterly shield also serves as a guardian against the darkness of depression. Moreover, the brother to sister is a bond of love and respect.
The Childhood Journey
The brother-and-sister relationship is an amazing journey with a mixture of emotions. In this journey, love-hate dynamics play a key role in shaping the individuals.
The love is built on the foundation of shared experiences and also a deep understanding of each other's personalities. This includes smaller activities in the home, interspersed with playful acts, irritation and rivalry. To quote an example,” Living room becomes a battlefield on who takes control over the remote to watch television” is a worldwide scenario in every home. But the rivalry is short-lived. In tough times, Siblings stand as pillars to each other. The ups and downs in their childhood journey play a pivotal role in emotional development.
Siblings often learn to reach each other's minds and try to act accordingly, a skill required to heighten emotional intelligence in other areas of life.
Despite the benefits, other challenges are also present in sibling relationships including jealousy, competition and clashing personalities.
To manage the conflicts, important to know that fostering an environment that promotes open communication must be available. Encouragement of the siblings to do joint activities can help in cooperating, communicating and appreciating each other strengths, which could be beneficial. Overall, it's an unbreakable bond that starts from childhood and continues throughout life. (1)
Brother and sister bond provides a sense of belonging, identity, and emotional connection that can't be found anywhere else. Additionally, sibling relationship has a significant impact on mental health and well-being. Studies have shown that people who have a close relationship bond, have lower levels of depression, anxiety and loneliness.
How sisters can boost positive health and well-being?
Elevating self-esteem
In case, even if you doubt yourself, someone will always firmly believe you. Through shared tribulations and triumphs, your sister stands as a steady pillar of support, promoting your self-esteem and bringing up your belief in your capabilities.
Sharpening logical reasoning and rational thoughts
All the time from childhood engaging in lively discussions, shared responsibilities and resolving conflicts helps in contributing towards critical thinking skills that serves well throughout life.
A Pillar of Emotional Support
Sister stands as an emotional support when there are life challenges, the complete world seems to be dark and threatening. Sister lends an empathetic ear that you are not alone in struggles.
A living chronicle of shared memories
Sister helps you to not only understand where your direction of the path is but also reminds you of where you are from and the roots where they are grounded. She becomes a breathing memory bank, casting one's mind back to the joys, laughter and sorrows that have shaped your family.
A guiding light and mentor
From offering a bit of practical advice to imparting a pearl of wisdom in life, sister serves as a guiding light, an illuminating path ahead and offers crucial insights from her own life experiences. (2)
Brother and sister bond provides a sense of belonging, identity, and emotional connection that can't be found anywhere else. Additionally, sibling relationship has a significant impact on mental health and well-being. Studies have shown that people who have a close relationship bond, have lower levels of depression, anxiety and loneliness.
Dr. Sermed Mezher, a Locum General Practitioner, UK, explained the importance of Brother and sister bond on his Instagram post, “When You Remember You Have a Little Sister.”
In his words, “Having a sister can be protective against internalizing behaviours such as loneliness, sadness, and negative self-esteem.
Sisters often provide a unique source of emotional support, companionship, and understanding, which can buffer against feelings of isolation.
Their presence encourages open communication and fosters emotional resilience, as they often serve as confidants and allies during challenging times.
A sisterly bond also promotes self-worth by offering unconditional love and validation, helping to counter negative self-perceptions.
Even during conflicts, siblings learn valuable skills such as empathy, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation, which contribute to healthier mental well-being. Studies have shown that having a sister can reduce the risk of developing internalized emotional struggles, providing a stabilizing and nurturing influence throughout life.”(3)
Having a sister can be protective against internalizing behaviours such as loneliness, sadness, and negative self-esteem. A sisterly bond also promotes self-worth by offering unconditional love and validation, helping to counter negative self-perceptions. Studies have shown that having a sister can reduce the risk of developing internalized emotional struggles, providing a stabilizing and nurturing influence throughout life.
Dr. Sermed Mezher
Overall, the bond between brother and sister is one of the most beautiful relationships in the world. This bond gets stronger when it's an elder brother and younger sister. One finds a friend, sometimes a parent, and at the same time a protector in life.
References:
Prapoorna, M. “What Makes Brother and Sister Relationship So Special.” Wellness Hub, November 16, 2021. Accessed January 29, 2025. https://www.mywellnesshub.in/blog/what-makes-the-brother-sister-relationship-so-special-sibling-relations-truths-about-brother-sister-relationship-why-is-rakhi-celebrated/.
Krishnanga, Dr. “How Having a Sister Can Boost Your Well-being.” Medindia, November 1, 2023. Accessed January 29, 2025. https://www.medindia.net/news/lifestyleandwellness/how-having-a-sister-can-boost-your-well-being-214033-1.htm.
By Dr. Lakshmi Sahithi Tanneru
MSM