Various studies have shown that an older sister is likely to give a varied gender role to their younger siblings as well as being more likely to develop a close bond with their younger siblings.[6] Older sisters are more likely to play with their younger siblings.[7] Younger siblings display a more needy behavior when in close proximity to their older sister[8] and are more likely to be tolerant of an older sisters bad behavior.[9] Boys with only an older sister are more likely to display stereotypically male behavior, and such masculine boys increased their masculine behavior with the more sisters they have.[10] The reverse is true for young boys with several sisters, as they tend to be feminine, however they outgrow this by the time they approach pubescence.[11] Boys with older sisters were less likely to be delinquent or have emotional and behavioral disorders.[12] A younger sister is less likely to be scolded by older siblings than a younger brother.[13] The most common recreational activity between older brother/younger sister pairs is art drawing.[6] Some studies also found a correlation between having an older sister and constructive discussions about safe sexual practises.[14] Some studies have shown that men without sisters are more likely to be ineffectual at courtship and romantic relationships.[15]
