The study, controlling for parental and friend support, found that higher levels of sibling support were related to lower levels of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. This was true for both younger and older siblings – and remained true whether they were the ones giving or receiving this emotional support (Branje et al., 2004). These articles show that sibling interactions, both positive and negative, can have significant influences on an individual's cognitive and emotional development, as well as their behaviors and future..