Final answer:
Assigning older siblings parenting responsibilities can lead to negative outcomes such as resentment and emotional distress. While sibling closeness can be protective, the caregiving role may complicate this relationship. Hence, it's more likely for the older child to resent having to take on these duties.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an older sibling is given the responsibilities akin to that of a parent for a younger sibling, it can result in a multitude of possible outcomes. However, research suggests that such 'parentification' can have negative consequences for the older sibling, potentially leading to resentment, emotional distress, and difficulties in personal development and relationships. Lamothe (2017) notes that parentified siblings can experience trauma and develop compulsive disorders, as well as life-long issues with relationships and self-care.
On the flip side, strong parent-child relationships are associated with better outcomes such as improved grades and behavior in school (Hair et al., 2005). However, these outcomes typically refer to the child-parent dynamic, not a sibling taking on a parental role. Additionally, whilst sibling closeness can have protective effects and promote well-being, especially when siblings are placed in foster care (Hegar & Rosenthal, 2011; Affronti, Rittner, & Semanchin Jones, 2015), the specific responsibility dynamic of an older child acting as a caregiver can complicate this relationship.
Consequently, while choice B may occur in certain circumstances, it is more likely that option A, with the older child resenting the added responsibilities, is the more common outcome. It's important to recognize that every family dynamic is unique and various factors can influence these outcomes.