Family

Having a sister makes you a happier person

The lovely truth about sisters.
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If you have a sister (especially if she’s close in age to you) then we’re sure you have stories about lines drawn down the middle of the bedroom that you were not permitted to cross; vicious scraps that involved scratching and hair pulling; and the annoyance of discovering she’s taken your favourite top without asking AGAIN.

It’s hard living with siblings and not clashing some of the time, and if in addition you are the same gender or close in age you won’t be surprised to know that both scenarios make you naturally more competitive with one another.

But there’s a plus side to having sisters – sisters often seem to go on to become best friends. And new research shows that those with sisters are happier and more optimistic people.

De Montfont University and Ulster University conducted a study about sisters in which they quizzed 571 young people aged 17 to 25 on their lives. Participants filled in psychological questionnaires that were used to assess a range of issues, including mental health and a positive outlook.

The findings revealed that sisters make us happier because they encourage their siblings to be more open and communicative about their feelings, which in turn promotes good mental health.

Professor Tony Cassidy, who helped carry out the study, told The Independent:

“Sisters appear to encourage more open communication and cohesion in families. However, brothers seem to have the alternative effect. Emotional expression is fundamental to good psychological health and having sisters promotes this in families.”

He believes that boys have a natural tendency to not talk about things and suggests parents “think carefully” about the way we deal with families with lots of boys.

“With boys together it is about a conspiracy of silence not to talk. Girls tend to break that down.”

Nice one, sisters.

Some of our favourite sets of sisters

Rachel Hunter and her sister Jacqui.

Clean eating queens Julia and Libby Matthews.

Kate Middleton and sister Pippa.

The Kardashians – Kim, Chloe and Kourtney.

Bic, Boh and Pearl Runga.

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen.

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