LIFE COURSE ASSOCIATIONS OF SIBLING RELATIONSHIPS AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING IN LATE ADULTHOOD - Abstract citation ID igaf122.2108

Sep 29, 2026

The study applies the life course perspective and linked lives concept to examine how sibling relationships across the lifespan relate to cognitive functioning in late adulthood. Data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study sibling cohort were used to test a mediational model linking childhood sibling interactions and cumulative adverse childhood experiences to later cognition via adult sibling closeness and contact. Cognitive functioning at about age 80 was measured with TICS-m using multilevel structural equation modeling. Results show positive sibling interactions and frequent adult contact associate with higher TICS-m, while higher ACEs associate with lower contact and lower cognition, suggesting lasting effects of family experiences.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Background and Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 615 - - - Abstract citation ID: igaf122.2108 LIFE COURSE ASSOCIATIONS OF SIBLING RELATIONSHIPS AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING IN LATE ADULTHOOD Sara Moorman1, Jooyoung Kong2, Gina Lee2, and Michal Engelman3, 1. Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, United States, 2. University of Wisconsin– Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States, 3. University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States Background/objective: Relying on the linked lives concept within the life course perspective, the current study examined the lifelong associations of sibling relationships and their effects on cognitive functioning in late adulthood. Methods: Using data from the sibling cohort of the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, we estimated a mediational model, examining the effects of childhood sibling interactions and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), as proxy measures for the parent-child relationship, on cognitive functioning in late adulthood through adult sibling closeness and contact. Respondents’ cognitive functioning was assessed using the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-modified (TICS-m) when they were in their early 80s, on average. We conducted multilevel structural equation modeling. Results: Positive childhood sibling interactions (e.g., hugging, helping) were associated with increased adult sibling closeness and contact, whereas higher cumulative ACEs were associated with decreased adult sibling closeness and contact. We found significant indirect associations: (a) positive sibling interactions during childhood were associated with more frequent sibling contact across respondents’ mid-50s through early 70s, which was in turn associated with higher TICS-m scores in their early 616 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 80s; (b) higher cumulative ACEs were associated with less frequent sibling contact, which was in turn associated with lower TICS-m scores. Conclusions: The results suggest that childhood experiences within the family of origin may have lasting effects on adult sibling relationships and the cognitive functioning of older adults. This study highlights the potential cognitive benefits of frequent contact with adult siblings, underscoring the importance of nurturing sibling relationships throughout one’s life.

FAQs

What was the main objective of the study?

To examine lifelong associations of sibling relationships and how they influence cognitive functioning in late adulthood through adult sibling closeness and contact.

Which measures and data sources were used?

The analysis used data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study sibling cohort, with cognitive functioning assessed using the TICS-m-modified in respondents’ early 80s.

How did childhood sibling interactions and ACEs affect later outcomes?

Positive childhood sibling interactions were linked to greater adult sibling closeness and contact, while higher cumulative ACEs were linked to reduced closeness and contact.

What do the results suggest about cognitive benefits in older adults?

The findings indicate that frequent contact with adult siblings may confer cognitive benefits, and that early experiences within the family of origin can have lasting effects.

Sep 29, 2026

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