Did You Know That Having A Sister Actually Makes You Happier?

Brother and Sister playing cards
Image used for representation only

If you have a sister there is no escape from sharing everything from your chocolates to your clothes. Well, its worth it all says a research study from De Montfont University and Ulster University that suggests that having a sister makes you happier and more optimistic.

The study quizzed 571 young people aged 17 to 25 on their lives and found that those who grew up with sisters were more likely to be happy.

Participants filled in psychological questionnaires that were used to assess a range of issues, including mental health and a positive outlook. It turns out sisters encourage their siblings to be more open and communicative about their feelings, which promotes good mental health, the researchers believe.

Professor Tony Cassidy, who helped carry out the study, said: “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. It could be that boys have a natural tendency not to talk about things.

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

Cassidy said the findings were even more pronounced in families where parents had split up, she said, “I think these findings could be used by people offering support to families and children during distressing times. We may have to think carefully about the way we deal with families with lots of boys.”

Several people in the city spoke to Pune365 and unanimously agreed with the findings of the study and said that their female siblings were their biggest strength.

Charmie Shah, Event Manager says, It is always said that there is no better friend than your sister, and Yes! I totally agree!

Having an elder sister is like having a second mother who constantly ensures that you’re safe. And younger ones will always make you relive your childhood.

Sisters are always a backup, be it to seek permission for a party, or for crying over a breakup. The biggest advantage is that you can always blame it on her, Charmie adds chuckling. 

Sisters have the ability to brighten up your mood and to bring in the liveliness to any atmosphere. Moreover, be it a younger sister or an elder one, she will always protect you from everything, says Ashish Dutta, Photographer.

I have a younger sister and nothing makes me happier than her presence in the house. She is that morning bird to the house, with full of energy and her never ending chatter, Ashish added.

Behind every successful man there is always a woman. Often it is a strong sister standing by her brother’s side and such is mine too, says Rohan Karve, Art director.

I was a weak student in my college and often use to get bullied by my seniors. But the moment my sister joined my college, she always played tough with those guys and they never dared bully me.

Nodding to the research findings, Rohan adds, growing up with a sister certainly makes you a strong and confident person.

It also enhances your perspective about life, helps you understand your partner well too. There are a whole lot of things which are easier when you have a sister!

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Ankita Malekar