Interpersonal Identity Development in Different Groups of Siblings
With the help of German versions of the modified Utrecht-Groningen Identity Development Scales, we assessed interpersonal identity development of five different groups of siblings. Monozygotic, dizygotic same-sexed, and opposite-sexed twins, as well as same-sexed and opposite-sexed siblings (N = 214; average age 11.2, SD = 1.4) were interviewed three times (time interval: 1 year) in their home environments to examine commitment and exploration in the life domains siblings, best friends, and romantic relationships at each visit, as well as changes over time. Hierarchical analyses showed that, in general, the type of sibling dyad was not related to interpersonal identity development. Only monozygotic twins – being of the same genotype, same sex, and same age – derive more self-esteem from their sibling relationships. In general, a decrease in commitment toward the sibling and an increase of exploration in the life domains best friends and romantic relationships could be observed in all adolescents.