In the early 1900s Austrian Psychotherapist Alfred Alder first developed a theory about how birth order can affect a person's personality and how this can go on to influence other areas of their lives including their relationship with other people and their academic and career achievements.
Adler's theory sparked the interest of many other psychologists and researchers. Over the years and several studies have been carried out to explore this.
Studies reveal two main reasons for birth order personality differences are:
(1) parents and caregivers treat their children differently depending on their birth order, and
(2 ) sibling relationships are influenced by their birth order to each other.
Each sibling has some traits unique to their position in the family, each enjoying their own advantages as well as having their own set of challenges.
Let's have a look at the traits associated with the first born, the middle child, the youngest and the only child.
First Child
The eldest child in the family had their parents' undivided attention for the first few years of their lives. This makes them become used to being the centre of attention. And it may be for this reason that first borns tend to be hard workers and high achievers.
Though first borns are seen as highly ambitious, they are driven by a fear of failure. Worried about making mistakes, the first child usually sticks to rules and will seek advice often. They do not like change and are hesitant to step out of their comfort zone.
In addition to this, parents tend to give their first child more responsibility than they do to their other offsprings. This could include looking after younger siblings, thus leading them to become bossy and more controlling.
Traits associated with the first born include being controlling, conscientious, disciplined, reliable, hard working and high achievers.
Middle Child
By the time the second child comes onto the scene, parents are busy juggling their time. They are not able to give their second and subsequent children undivided attention. The lack of attention often results in the middle child becoming a 'people pleaser'.
Within a. family dynamic, the middle child may feel that they do not have much of a role. the parents' attention is usually on their eldest sibling or on the baby of the family. It is perhaps for this reason that the middle child looks to their peers to create stronger connections.
The middle child is great at adapting to new people and environments. One of the strength lies in being able to diplomatically navigate challenging and conflicting situations.
Traits associated with the middle born include sociable, independent, peacemakers and somewhat of a people-pleaser.
Youngest Child
Parents tend to have a laissez-faire attitude towards their youngest child. The youngest of the clan tends to be charming and sociable. Compared to their siblings, they are more fun-loving and adventurous and are more likely to be open to new and different experiences.
The baby of the family often struggle to be taken seriously. Additionally, their achievements are not as highly recognised by their parents than that of their older siblings.
Traits of the youngest sibling include being fun-loving, uncomplicated, self-centred, outgoing and unlikely to be disciplined by their parents.
The Only Child
The only child, with no siblings, gets full attention of their parents for their entire lives. While this may give them undivided attention and support, it also puts a lot of burden on them to bear the expectations of their parents.
Traits associated with the only child include being mature for age, perfectionism, conscientious, hard workers and natural leaders.
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