Exploring Effective Communication Dynamics in Young Adult Sibling Dyad Relationships: An Indian Perspective

Background: Sibling relationships are generally lifelong and play an important role in emotional and social development. Despite extensive research on childhood sibling interactions, little emphasis has been paid to sibling communication in young adulthood, particularly within the Indian cultural setting. This study explores the communication dynamics between young adult sibling dyads (ages 18-30) in an Indian setting, where sibling dynamics undergo significant changes due to life transitions such as higher education, employment and greater autonomy. It also explores how siblings manage emotional reciprocity, conflict resolution, emotional transparency, emphasizing the influence of cultural factors on their communication dynamics. Method: A qualitative approach was adapted to examine five sibling dyads (same sex and different sex) through semi-structured interviews, and the sample was chosen through convenience sampling. The data was analyzed using Collaço et al.'s (2021) framework of dyadic analysis, focusing on finding significant communication themes such as emotional reciprocity, conflict resolution tactics, and emotional transparency. Findings: The study found that siblings rely substantially on emotional reciprocity, in which reciprocal trust and openness build closeness. Conflict resolution styles differed between dyads, with humor and avoidance being common. Furthermore, cultural pressures such as respect and familial duty had a substantial impact on communication patterns. Conclusion: Communication quality, rather than frequency, determines emotional intimacy among young adult sibling dyads. Humor and empathic understanding are conflict resolution tactics that promote emotional equilibrium, particularly within the context of cultural norms. Future Implications: Future research could explore sibling communication dynamics across different cultural contexts or longitudinally to observe how these relationships evolve over time. The findings can also inform family counseling interventions, focusing on improving emotional transparency and conflict resolution skills amongst siblings.