A fascinating study finds that having a sister makes you a better person. It’s true! You might fight like cats and dogs at times, but in the end she really is helping you become the very best version of yourself. Read on to learn all about the study, plus others that show how much siblings mean to us.
Science Says Having A Sister Makes You A Better Person
Sisters have a unique way of shaping our lives. They can be our biggest supporters, toughest critics, and lifelong friends all at the same time. While sibling relationships aren’t always perfect, research suggests that growing up with a sister may have lasting benefits that extend beyond childhood. In fact, studies have found that people with sisters often develop stronger communication skills, greater empathy, and healthier emotional well-being.
A sister is one who reaches for your hand and touches your heart. I am so lucky to have a sister. When we were little, we used to fight a lot, but my mom always told us that one day we were going to be best friends and we were going to be able to count on each other for everything. And mom is always right! My sister is my best friend now and I feel so happy and fortunate to have her in my life.
All the childhood memories, the ups, and downs, the arguments, the history, the values. We always found a solution to our problems because we loved each other. I can say now with certainty that my sister is someone I can fully trust. We have shared so many unforgettable moments. And now being able to share the experience of motherhood with her is simply AMAZING!
Yes, sisters are soul mates, best friends, and according to a study, they also make you a better person. Turns out a sister could teach you a lot about conflict resolution, empathy, and how to nurture others. When traveling life’s journey it’s good to have a sister’s hand to hold on to. Having a sister is a beautiful thing.
Study Finds Having A Sister Makes You A Better Person
Researchers from Brigham Young University found that having a sister boosts your mental health and self-esteem and that people with sisters find themselves striving to protect them from “feeling lonely, unloved, guilty, self-conscious and fearful.” And obviously, working so hard to protect someone from those kinds of feelings makes you a more nurturing, empathetic person.
“Even after you account for parents’ influence, siblings do matter in unique ways. They give kids something that parents don’t.” Laura Padilla Walker.
“What we know suggests that sisters play a role in promoting positive mental health.” Alex Jensen
The researches in this study are basically telling us that a sister helps shape your heart, strengthen your mind, and remind you that you are loved. Isn’t it wonderful?
Having a sister makes you more compassionate
This is what assistant professor Alex Jensen from Brigham Young University, who has written several studies on sibling relationships, had to say about the study:
“What we know suggests that sisters play a role in promoting positive mental health,” Jensen explains. “Later in life they often do more to keep families in contact with one another after the parents pass.”
And don’t worry if you tend to get into arguments with your sister – these are also good for both of you. “They help you develop social skills, like communication, compromise and negotiation, even sibling conflict, if it is minor, can promote healthy development.”
So, it turns out a sister can teach you about compassion and how to become a kinder, more giving person. If you have one you will definitely learn how to be more patient, work as a team, negotiate, and share your stuff too.
“Even if there is a little bit of fighting, as long as they have affection, the positive will win out,” lead study author Laura Padilla-Walker, a professor in BYU’s School of Family Life, said. “If siblings get in a fight, they have to regulate emotions. That’s an important skill to learn for later in life.”
Brothers benefit from having a sister, too!
In fact, research has found that brothers who grew up with sisters are better at communicating with women than those who were only children or only have brothers. (This applies the other way around, too.) So having a sister when you are a brother has benefits too.
“Some research suggests that having a sibling who is a different gender from you can be a real benefit in adolescence,” Jensen told Motherly. “Many of those sibling pairs become closer during the teen years because they become good sources of information about the opposite sex.”
That definitely makes a lot of sense. It’s easier for a brother to talk to his sister about girls than it is to talk to his mom, and vice-versa. My son and daughter are still young, so they have a little time before they start talking about this stuff. I see the bond between them already, though, and I know they’ll be a great source of comfort to each other during those turbulent teen years.
What else does science say about the benefits of having siblings?
Curious to know if there are any other science-backed benefits to siblings? Turns out, there are! Here are some of my favorites:
- A 2018 study by Society for Research in Child Development found that siblings help teach each other empathy.
- A 2010 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign study found that having siblings plays a major role in children’s socialization development. In other words, they help us learn how to interact with others better.
- A 2019 study by Elsevier found that only children are more likely to be overweight. So having siblings can even keep you in shape!
- Siblings also protect each other from long-term mental health issues brought on by family conflicts (for example, if you’re going through a divorce), according to a 2018 study from the Society for Research in Child Development.
- Speaking of divorce, this 2013 Ohio State University study found that the more siblings you have, the less likely you are to get divorced later in life.
25 Inspiring Quotes About Sisters
- “A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, and a golden thread to the meaning of life.”
- “Sisters may grow up and grow apart, but their bond remains forever.”
- “A sister’s love is one of life’s greatest blessings.”
- “No matter where life takes us, a sister always feels like home.”
- “A sister is someone who knows your story and loves you anyway.”
- “Sisters are the keepers of our childhood memories and our biggest cheerleaders.”
- “Having a sister means never facing life’s challenges alone.”
- “A sister’s heart understands what words cannot express.”
- “Sisters make the good times sweeter and the hard times easier.”
- “A sister is a lifelong friend wrapped in family.”
- “The bond between sisters is woven with love, laughter, and endless memories.”
- “Sisters don’t just share a family; they share a piece of each other’s hearts.”
- “A sister is someone who helps you find your strength when you’ve forgotten where you left it.”
- “Life is brighter when you have a sister to share it with.”
- “Sisters are proof that love grows stronger through every season of life.”
- “A sister’s encouragement can carry you farther than you ever imagined.”
- “Sisters may argue, but their love always finds its way back.”
- “A sister is a forever friend who walks beside you through every chapter of life.”
- “The greatest gift our parents gave us was each other.”
- “Sisters teach us how to love, forgive, and grow.”
- “A sister’s presence turns ordinary moments into cherished memories.”
- “Through every laugh and every tear, sisters leave footprints on each other’s hearts.”
- “A sister is a reminder that you are never truly alone.”
- “The love between sisters is one of life’s most beautiful treasures.”
- “Sisters: partners in childhood, friends in adulthood, and family forever.”
Other Studies You Might Enjoy Reading:
- Science Confirms Children Inherit Their Intelligence From Their Mothers.
- The reason why children are 800% worse when their mothers are around.
- The Amazing Benefit Of Having A Baby After 35.
- Recent Study Proves Changes In Diet Alone Can Cure Diseases.
- Husbands Stress Out Women More Than Children.
- Children growing up with dogs are less likely to suffer mental health issues.
- Going to bed early is best for kids.
- Women Should Go Out With Friends Twice A Week For Better Health
The best advice my mother ever gave me: “Be nice to your sister. Your friends will come and go, but you will always have your sister. And I promise that someday she will be your best friend.” Well, she was absolutely right!
It really is true, having a sister makes you a better person! It’s so amazing to have one with whom you can share so many things in life. She is and will always be a special friend who brings out your best qualities. Now, go call your sister and tell her that you love her!















Rachel says
I can totally see this! My sisters are much younger than me but we’re super close and they’ve definitely made such a huge impact on my life!
Creative & Healthy Family says
Thanks! My sister is also 7 year younger than me and we are super close!
Rachel says
This is so sweet and so true. I love having a sister!
Creative & Healthy Family says
Me too!
Shanna says
I’m gonna have to forward this on to my sister. Make her realize how I’ve made her a better person! (Haha!)
Creative & Healthy Family says
❤️❤️❤️
Geeky Daddy says
I was just talking about this topic with a friend the other day. He has a 3 year old boy and 1 year old girl. He was thrilled to have the boy first because now his son will never know life without having a little sister to look out for. My friend thinks his son will mature faster and grow up with a healthier respect for women because of this. Makes sense to me.
Creative Healthy Family says
I agree. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Krizzia Scollon says
I do have a sister and we are so close together, I do agree with all of these!
Tanya Geno says
I wish I grew up with a sister or brother but instead I had my cuz or best friend by my side 🙂
Amber Mamian says
I’m blessed to have two, one through biology and the second through marriage.
Stine Mari says
I always used to fight a lot with my sister too, but now we do everything together!
Blythe Alpern says
I have a sister and a brother and I can definitely see the benefit. My sister and I definitely fought as kids, over silly things, but we were always very close and still are. There is nothing like having that built-in support system when life throws you major curveballs.