Sibling Relationships: A Basis for Affective Skills in Loving Relationships

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1595122524029

• Palavras-chave: siblings, emotional development, romantic relationship, mirror neurons, limbic system, behavioral learning.

• Keywords: siblings, emotional development, romantic relationship, mirror neurons, limbic system, behavioral learning.

• Abstract:

  Sibling interaction plays a central role in the formation of relational skills, with a direct impact on the ability to establish and maintain loving relationships in adulthood. This study investigates how interaction between siblings promotes the development of socio-emotional skills, from behavioral perception and understanding to emotional regulation and empathy, with a focus on learning about the opposite sex. Behavioral aspects are addressed, such as observation and imitation (mediated by mirror neurons), as well as the role of the limbic system in emotional processing and the construction of interpersonal awareness. Based on neuroscientific and psychological evidence, it is argued that living with siblings provides a unique environment for exercising communication, conflict resolution and emotional learning, essential factors for success in emotional relationships. These findings contribute to understanding the impact of sibling dynamics on human development, with implications for developmental psychology and interpersonal relationship studies.