Parental Differential Treatment and Sibling Relationship Quality as Predictors of Adolescents’ Adjustment in Addis Ababa City

Positive adjustment is instrumental for proper development during adolescence and later life. Adolescents’ experience of Parental Differential Treatment (PDT) and poor sibling relationships have been associated with poor behavioral outcomes and adjustment problems. However, the extent of the problem is hardly known in communal cultures.

The study was conducted to assess the levels of adjustment of adolescents in Addis Ababa city. Additionally, the study explored PDT and the quality of sibling relationships as correlates of adolescents’ adjustment.

A correlational research design was employed to meet the objectives of the study. A sample of 291 adolescents participated in the study. Sibling Inventory of Differential Experience, Adjustment Inventory and Sibling Relationship Questionnaire were used to gather the required information. Descriptive statistics, correlational analysis, hierarchical multiple regression and moderation analysis were employed to analyze the data and to address the research questions.

The result indicated that the adjustment status of adolescents was not satisfactory. A higher level of perceived PDT was reported by participants, and girls experienced elevated levels of PDT than males. PDT and Sibling relationship quality were directly related as well as significant predictors of adolescents’ adjustment. Moreover, age moderated the relationship between PDT and adolescent adjustment.

The findings of the study implied that works need to be done to improve the parent-child and sibling relationship to enhance the adjustment status of adolescents in Addis Ababa city.