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Chapter 3 (continued)
The Family Structure (cont.)
Relationships With Siblings
Although the triangular system is the primary factor in personality development, relationships with siblings can have an impact. To some extent, a good relationship with an older brother can compensate for a poor relationship with father, possibly encouraging heterosexuality in a child who would otherwise have developed homosexually.8(p311) On the other hand, an older brother who is aggressive and intimidating can inhibit masculine identification.7(p84) In sibling relationships where there is rivalry and distress a boy who is already at risk may be nudged that much closer to homosexuality.8(p311)
Bieber’s study provided some insight into the way pre-homosexual boys may view their siblings. One section of the report reviewed answers to three questionnaire items: hatred, fear, and admiration of brothers and sisters. The homosexual group showed far greater hatred/fear of brothers and admiration of sisters than the control group—about twice as much in both instances. Also, the control group showed more moderate overall attitudes toward their siblings while the homosexual group showed greater polarity. In the control group, the percentages of affirmative responses to all three questions fell in a narrow range from 23% (for both hatred/fear and admiration of sisters) to 35% (for admiration of brothers). Comparatively, the range of affirmative responses in the homosexual group went from a low 6% (hatred/fear of sisters) up to 42% (for admiration of sisters) and then up to 58% (for hatred/fear of brothers).8(p126) See the table below.
Hatred, Fear, and Admiration toward Siblings
Sibling |
Group |
Hated/Feared |
Admired |
| Brothers | Homosexual | 58% |
23% |
| Control | 29% |
35% |
|
| Sisters | Homosexual | 6% |
42% |
| Control | 23% |
23% |
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