The effect of the presence of siblings in everyday life on the development of temperament was examined in Japanese children aged three to six years. Information concerning children's temperament and its expressions in everyday family life were obtained by questionnaire and multiple real-time internet interviews. Results showed gender differences for Negative Affectivity and Effortful Control, but no gender difference for Extraversion/Surgency concerning the effect of family members and the degree of closeness they showed in everyday activities (the latter to be referred to as physical cohesion). Boys were more susceptible than girls to sibling influence. It is suggested that children's temperament is likely to be influenced by the presence of siblings through interactions in daily activities.
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