Psychiatrists have acknowledged that environmental influences and relationships with parents are important factors in the development of personality. But, they say, they say, it is birth order and relationships with siblings that is the most reliable predictor of human behavior.
- Fist-borns: lots of attention but high parental expectations. Must then cope with the arrival of subsequent children. Try to win back parent’s attention by meeting parents’ expectations. Conservative, responsible, and insecure, but high achievers because they try heard.
- Second children: Probably rebel against parental authority and goody-goody elder sibling. Attention=seeking, more relaxed attitude to life. May try to outdo elder child.
- Middle children: enjoy no clear status, often searching constantly for a role in the family. Attention-seeking.
- Youngest: plenty of attention from parents and siblings. if spoiled, can lack ambition.
- Only children risk being parent-bound or may find parental relationship claustrophobic and home early. Probably precocious and self-sufficient.
So? What about you? In the list above which one is you.
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Filed under: Mind and Spirit
