Exploring how siblings can shape personality and behavior, even more so than parents.
Growing up with siblings might mean that you can’t wait to get away from them as soon as you’re old enough. But, the majority of people with siblings will hang out with them for at least a third of their lives, meaning that we spend more time with them than with anyone else. Over time, those sibling ties can shape a person’s outlook, personality, and behavior, having an even bigger impact than the time spent with parents.
Hamide Gozu, PhD, an assistant professor of psychology in the College of Humanities and Sciences, spends her time studying the dynamics of family relationships. Her work also looks into how these relationships differ across different cultures. Read on to learn more about her work.
How would you describe your research to the person riding the elevator with you?
I’m really into how families tick. My research dives into all the different dynamics—like how parents and kids interact, the bonds between siblings, and even the connections between couples. There’s just so much to uncover about what makes these relationships work, and I love exploring all the nuances.
What problem does your research try to solve?
How can we make family relationships more connected? Everyone wants a happy, close-knit family. To make that happen, we need to strengthen those bonds by cutting down on conflicts and boosting the affection. I also look into how family ties relate to our development and well-being. Basically, how can we help people feel happier and more fulfilled? Moreover, I’m really interested in how family practices vary across different cultures and backgrounds and how those differences impact development. It’s all about figuring out what works best for families everywhere!
How do you go about studying these complex relationships?
I study sibling relationships through interviews and surveys. Because these bonds involve two people, collecting data from each sibling is essential. In the future, I plan to compare sibling relationships across different cultures to explore how cultural contexts shape these dynamics. This comparative approach will enhance our understanding of the diverse ways siblings connect with one another.
What first sparked your interest in your area of research/your research question?
I come from a big family—three older sisters and a twin brother! My parents always instructed into us how important family ties are, saying things like, “No matter what happens, that’s your sibling.” Now that I’m a mom of two boys, I find myself reflecting on those lessons. I’m constantly thinking about how to make them happier and help them build those close relationships. It’s a fun challenge, and I’m all about figuring out what works best!
What is the best memory you have from conducting your research or teaching?
One of the coolest moments in my teaching career happened during a discussion about how parents treat their kids differently and how that affects sibling relationships. We were in the classroom talking about “sibling rivalry,” and I shared my own experiences of feeling like my parents treated my brother and me differently, but I also recognized that their behavior was influenced by our culture. That really got the students talking! They started sharing their own sibling stories, and it was amazing to see them connect the theory to their real lives. It felt great to show them how parenting styles can really shape sibling interactions, and how these dynamics can vary from one culture to another.
What’s something you’re passionate about outside of your research?
Outside of my research, I’m passionate about cooking. Cooking is my way of connecting with friends and family, and I love bringing everyone together around the table. Sharing meals really helps strengthen our bonds and create those unforgettable memories. I enjoy hosting dinner parties.
Who’s a role model or someone who shaped your journey? Is there a piece of advice that stuck with you or that you try to pass on to young researchers?
One of my biggest role models is my former professor, Dr. Joan Newman, who focused on sibling relationships and parenting. She always emphasized how conflicts between siblings can be great learning experiences, helping kids build skills like empathy and conflict resolution. That perspective really shaped my own research. Young researchers should dive into the complexities of sibling dynamics and explore the different parenting styles around the world.
