A Heuristic Inquiry: Researching the Possibility that Resolution of Sibling Rivalry can be Found Through Examining Pictures, Expressions and Reflections of the Older Sister
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Author
Winberg, Summer
Date
2008
Degree
Master of Arts in Art Therapy
Abstract
This heuristic study looks at the connection between sibling rivalry and the
trauma that occurs when a child feels the threat of possible attachment disruption from
the parents. The study will examine the researcher’s own life and attempt to identify the
effects created by the initial trauma. Analyzing family pictures of the two siblings will
enable the researcher to explore unexpressed emotion and other ramifications caused by
the initial childhood stressor. The rationale is not that the rivalry is the problem, but
rather, the threat of possible disruption of the relationship between the oldest child and
the parents. The artwork aided the oldest child in addressing her feelings and
understanding that the sibling is not a threat and the past trauma is not affecting their
current relationship. The study describes how an effective heuristic dialogue with
photographs of the siblings and response artwork can be used to address the potential for
escalating future rivalry, the researcher’s relationship with other members of her family
and any other relationships due to the adverse impact of the rivalry.