The effect of birth order on an individual

The aim of this study is to determine whether birth order has any effect on individual, using Eysenck's EPQ-R questionnaire. The study is based on the theory of birth order proposed by Adler, and I will begin by outlining the main elements of his theory. Unlike others before, Adler's theories concentrated on the social and cultural influences on individual, rather than the biological. He believed that a person's family make-up, which is the first social situation we encounter, could have a profound effect on achievement, ambition, career choices and interpersonal skills.

Indeed he found that the personalities of the oldest, middle and youngest child in the family were likely to be quite different (Hall and Lindzay, 1970). He proposed several traits typical of first-born, middle-born, last-born and only children and attempted to explain the reasons why these traits developed. He stated that first-born children are often subjected to pampering by their parents, which deprives the child of the opportunity to develop a sense of independence and initiative. As a result an inferiority complex arises (Derlega, Winstead and Jones, pp.136-139). Another problem the first-born faces is the painful experience of dethronement by another sibling, which only adds to the feeling of inferiority. Adler found that these factors produced higher instances of maladjustment with peers, neurotic tendencies, even criminality and alcoholism (Adler, p411). However, first-born children also tend to be more responsible, and are more likely to pursue careers in which a great deal of responsibility must be assumed, such as medicine.In the case of middle-born children, Adler believed them to be in a favourable position, because he or she is unlikely to be pampered (Derlega et al, 1991). As a consequence, they tend to be the most independent and most socially adept.

Also, the presence of an older sibling may drive them to be high achievers, in order to compete with the older siblings. Adler found that in general, they were highly competitive, socially adept and able to assert themselves to overcome feelings of inferiority (Derlega et al, pp.136-139). For youngest children, the observations are similar to that of the first-born. Although they never experience dethronement, they will be more likely to be pampered and spoiled, by both parents and older siblings. This can increase the risk of them developing an inferiority complex. However, like middle-born children the urge to compete with other siblings may lead them to strive for excellence. Only children have been likened to first-borns, as they both experience life without siblings, if only temporarily in the case of first-borns. The difference between them lies in the fact that the only child never experiences the trauma of dethronement and as a consequence, may overestimate their own importance and may have difficulties interacting with peers (Derlega et al, pp.136-139).

However, some disagree and say that socio-economic status is more important than birth order. Bayer (1967) states that the oldest child reaches college age first and is thus free from intra-familial competition for scarce educational ...