The Impact of Sibling Count on Teen Mental Health

A study published in the Journal of Family Issues suggests that having multiple siblings may negatively impact young teens' mental health, with close age gaps and larger numbers of siblings being associated with poorer outcomes. The findings indicate that parents with more children may have fewer resources to reduce stress in the home, leading to diluted attention and financial resources for each child. However, having siblings can also provide emotional support and companionship, and parents can mitigate potential negative effects by fostering individualized connections with each child and seeking support from trusted adults.