Interpersonal Closeness and Self-Confidence: A Comparative Study Between a Single Child and a Child with Siblings

Family and its interaction patterns have a direct influence on an individual’s behaviour and personality. Even before forming close bonds with peers and friends outside, a child’s first interaction takes place with its family members. This makes the family culture and structure very crucial for a child’s development. In such a case, differences in the family structure of a single child family and those with multiple children may lead to differences in the development of these children respectively. The idea of a single child comes with a lot of myths and misconceptions. On the other hand, it is believed that sibling interaction is a very important aspect in the child’s overall development. The environment provided at home plays a crucial role in the development of an individual’s traits like self confidence and interpersonal closeness. The primary aim of this study is to understand and compare a single child and a child with elder sibling(s) on the basis of interpersonal closeness and self confidence. A sample of 140 participants between the age group of 18-24 was selected across India using Non-Probability sampling techniques like purposive, convenient and snowball sampling. Data was analysed using Welch independent samples t-test and Pearson’s correlation. The findings suggest that there is no difference between a single child and a child with sibling(s) in terms of interpersonal closeness and self confidence in today’s time. Further, interpersonal closeness and self confidence are negatively correlated. This study is useful in breaking myths around a single child.