The authors explored how sibling relationships were affected by the death of one or both parents in the context of the dynamics of those sibling relationships prior to the death. Qualitative data obtained from 66 interviews in a mixed-methods study of adults in middle or older age with at least one living sibling were analyzed for the purpose of finding common patterns that emerged after the death. The patterns were: Even closer; Just us now; New roles, responsibilities, and relationships; Unsettled estate; Never close; From bad to worse; Back together, temporarily; and No change. Implications for social work practice include exploring perceptions of family members regarding patterns and using the concept of ambivalence to normalize sibling relationships.
Keywords: aging/older adults; bereavement; family; grief/loss.