Write two responses

1. Birth order refers to the position a child holds in their family (firstborn, middle child, youngest, or only child). Early psychologist Alfred Adler believed that birth order could influence personality because children assume different roles and face different expectations within the family. For example, firstborn children may become more responsible or achievement-oriented because they often receive more parental attention early in life, while later-born children may become more sociable or risk-taking because they grow up with older siblings as role models (Sulloway, 1996; Rohrer et al., 2015). Some research suggests that these differences occur because parents treat children differently depending on their birth order, which may influence behavior and development over time.

However, modern psychological research shows that birth order has very little lasting effect on personality traits. Large studies comparing siblings within families found no consistent differences in the major personality traits such as extraversion, agreeableness, or emotional stability. The only small difference sometimes observed is that firstborns may score slightly higher on measures of intelligence or self-reported intellect, but even these differences are usually very small and not meaningful in everyday life (Damian & Roberts, 2015; Rohrer et al., 2015).

In my personal experience, I can see how birth order may influence behavior in several ways. For example, I am the eldest sibling, which meant there were certain expectations placed on me immediately, like to help take care of my younger siblings. It was a responsibility that I naturally inherited because of my birth order. The expectation bar was set high for me to be a proper role model for them, which created pressure to always set a good example. There was also the challenge of being the first child, meaning parents sometimes make their earliest parenting mistakes with you while learning along the way. On the other hand, my younger siblings developed more relaxed personalities because they grew up observing me and avoiding many of the responsibilities that I had already taken on. However, they also developed traits such as being more aggressive or shy at times due to the constant comparisons between us. They often faced pressure to escape the shadow of my achievements and failures, with expectations like be like your big brother or dont be like your older brother. This can make it harder for younger siblings to be seen as individuals rather than being constantly compared. While birth order may shape certain childhood experiences, personality is likely influenced more strongly by factors such as environment, life experiences, and individual choices and challenges.

References

Damian, R. I., & Roberts, B. W. (2015). The associations of birth order with personality and intelligence in a representative sample of U.S. high school students. Journal of Research in Personality, 58, 96105.

Rohrer, J. M., Egloff, B., & Schmukle, S. C. (2015). Examining the effects of birth order on personality. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(46), 1422414229.

Sulloway, F. J. (1996). Born to rebel: Birth order, family dynamics, and creative lives. Pantheon Books.

2. Birth order and Personality studies have circulated since Alfred Adler, the founder of Individual Psychology Theory, first focused attention on the two relationships in 1928, describing how the role of birth order shapes personality, characteristics and traits (Sultan, Hina, and Subha Malik., summer 2023).

The firstborn are high achievers and competitive; they are rule-conscious, self-reliant, striving for perfection. Parents pour all their attention and love on the firstborn to ensure the child has everything. As additional siblings come along, the firstborn begin to learn leadership skills, imitating their parents in looking out for their younger siblings and upholding family traditions. As long as the firstborn is not made to feel neglected, in which case pessimism, rigidity, and criticism may take hold, they will become strong adults later in life (Ansbacher & Ansbacher, 1956). Now the second child, acting as if in a race to overtake the first child, will try to adjust, become sociable and flexible, wanting to be different from the first child, whether good or bad. If the firstborn appears to be smarter, better, it may cause the second child to feel unsure of themselves and their abilities (Trapp, L. A., 2008, Winter). For the lastborn, Adler stated that parents over-indulge and pamper the child into adolescence and well into adulthood so that the child is self-centered, dependent, and immature. However, should the child feel inferior to other siblings, there is a drive so strong that a self-determined, independent sibling emerges (Adler, 1926; Ansbacher & Ansbacher, 1956). The Lastborn can develop good social and diplomatic skills, even generous and independent (Trapp, L.A., 2008, Winter).

(Trapp, L. A. 2008, Winter) describes the Only Child as pampered and spoiled, enjoys being the center of attention, feels unfairly treated when they dont get their way, and may refuse to cooperate. I can remember behaving in all these ways as an Only child. My parents, dare I say, were hyper-focused on me. Not a day went by that I felt unseen. Growing up, I recall feeling more grown-up than my friends with siblings. My mother relied on me to help her communicate with others, as English is her second language. I remember helping her navigate the hallways of a hospital, looking out for the next bus, or assisting in filling out forms. Responsible, mature and dependable- this is the only child.

The above is a simplified version of the relationship between birth order and personality. Offering a quick insight into a persons personality. However, other studies indicate its much more, including ones own development through the ages, the environment, and life experiences that shape you into you (Trapp, L. A. 2008, Winter).

References

Ansbacher, H. L., Ansbacher, R. R. (Eds.) (1956). The individual psychology of Alfred Adler. New York: Basic Books.

Sultan, H., & Malik, S. (2023). Development of Adler Birth Order Scale. Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research, 38(2), 183+.

Trapp, L. A. (2008, Winter). Birth order: why we are the way we are: whether you’re an only child, first born, last born, or somewhere in the middle, your birth order, and how you view yourself, reveals much about who you are and how you interact with those around you. Going Bonkers Magazine, 2(1), 40+.

Use textbook: Becoming Aware by Katie Barwick-Snell (15th edition)

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