The prevalence of sibling violence among emerging adults in Malaysia
Authors: Tharshini N.K. , Hassan Zamri 
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Sibling violence is a pervasive yet underexamined form of familial aggression that is commonly normalised within the dynamics of family setting. Hence, this study aims to investigate the dynamics of sibling relationships, with a specific focus on identifying the level of sibling violence experienced by emerging adults in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative approach to examine sibling violence. Primary data were used to gather information related to the demography profiles and the level of sibling violence experienced by emerging adults in Malaysia.

Findings

Data collected from 595 respondents revealed that 83.03% experienced sibling violence at an average level, with psychological violence being the most prevalent form. A smaller proportion of respondents (5.55%) reported minimal encounters with sibling violence. In contrast, 11.42% reported high levels of sibling violence, indicating severe instances of this dynamic. These findings highlight the significant prevalence of sibling violence and its varying levels of severity, raising concerns about its potential impact on emerging adults’ mental health and interpersonal relationships.

Research limitations/implications

Although the results are significant, certain limitations should be taken into account. Firstly, the reliance on convenience sampling through social media platform may limit the representativeness of the sample. Although efforts were made to reach diverse respondents across East and West Malaysia through multiple social media channels, there remain a potential selection bias as respondents may be more digitally literate or engaged in online platforms than the general population. As a result, the findings may not fully capture the experiences of individuals without social media access. Secondly, the study relied on self-report data, which may be influenced by social desirability bias or have inaccuracies in recalling their experiences of sibling violence. Respondents may have underreported or misrepresented their experiences of sibling violence due to the sensitive nature of the topic or memory limitations. In addition, cultural factors unique to the study site could influence sibling dynamics, limiting the generalisability of the results to other populations. The unique social-cultural factors in Malaysia could shape the way sibling relationships are perceived and experienced.

Practical implications

This study contributes to the limited body of research on sibling violence in non-Western settings, shedding light into the prevalence and dynamics of this issue in Malaysia. It further emphasises the need for future research to investigate the intersection of individual, familial and cultural factors influencing sibling violence, along with its short- and long-term impacts.

Originality/value

The limited exploration of sibling violence in the local context highlighted a significant knowledge gap, particularly regarding the factors influencing its severity and prolonged impacts on emerging adults. The findings from this study contribute to the development of more targeted and effective interventions, fostering healthier sibling relationships and enhancing the well-being of emerging adults in Malaysia.