Conflict Resolution among Adult Sisters
| dc.contributor.author | Tefft, Linda Cheryl | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-05-07T17:07:16Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-05-07T17:07:16Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 1999 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Thirteen pairs of sisters were self-selected to participate in a qualitative study of adult sisters who enjoy a positive sibling relationship. Ten pairs were Caucasian and three pairs were non-Caucasian. The purpose of the study was to determine how these sisters negotiate conflicts and resolve differences that threaten their relationships, whether the resolution was satisfactory to both sisters, and which--if any--personal family values were breached to precipitate the disagreement. A four-page questionnaire and demographic page was completed by each sister. Upon receipt of questionnaires, the sisters were interviewed by telephone and asked to describe a disagreement she and her sister had in the past five years, how it was settled, and if the settlement was satisfactory to both sisters. A qualitative thematic analysis was used to determine patterns of conflict resolution. The women in this study utilized a variety of methods to settle their differences including ignoring, withdrawing, and denial. All participants reported that they thought their conflicts were settled to each sister's satisfaction. Usually, the youngest reported that she tended to handle disagreements with her sister by withdrawing, ignoring, or giving in to the older sister in order to maintain the sibling bond or harmony within the family. Even when family values were breached, resulting in a disagreement, these sisters were able to maintain their relationship and reported that they considered the other's friendship more important than the issue. The sisters reported that parental favoritism did not have a lasting or negative influence on their relationship, nor did spouses or friends interfere with the sisters' relationship. All three pairs of sisters of color reported that when in conflict with each other, their mothers become involved, and the sisters maintain a dialogue with each other through the mother until the conflict is resolved. Implications for research and clinical practice are discussed. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11803/3390 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher.institution | John F. Kennedy University (JFKU) | |
| dc.title | Conflict Resolution among Adult Sisters | |
| dc.type | Dissertation | |
| thesis.degree.discipline | Psychology | |
| thesis.degree.grantor | John F. Kennedy University (JFKU) | |
| thesis.degree.level | Doctoral | |
| thesis.degree.name | Doctor of Psychology |