How does birth order affect the psychological development of children?

Answer 1

For as many books as there are supporting the idea of birth order's impact on development (of which psychoanalysts are large proponents of), research tends to support the idea that birth order has no real affect.

However, the strongest case for "birth order" is the idea of the "niche."

Many psychologists believe that people try to fit into predetermined "niches" in a family: the athletic one, the artistic one, the intelligent one, the rebel, etc. When one niche is taken by a child, the subsequent child will take an alternative niche. This is why when the oldest child takes the "smart, athletic" niche, the youngest child will often take the rebel. The foundation of this idea is that each "niche" becomes a part of that person's "identity" - which is ultimately the goal of our long, childhood search.

Different "niches" are favored in different families. A family full of football stars will probably favor athletic niches, and therefore these will be taken first. A family full of scientists will be more likely to favor academic pursuits, and so their children will fill each of these niches first.

Of course, the theory of the niche isn't always correct, and although logical, there is not a lot of scientific evidence backing the theory. Many times, multiple siblings will hold the same niche, or the oldest sibling will take the path of the "rebel" - or a family full of football stars will have a son who is the leader of the Chess club. :-)

Answer 2

Birth order can influence a child's personality and behavior. First-born children may be more responsible and achievers, middle children tend to be peacemakers and flexible, while youngest children may be more outgoing and creative. However, birth order is just one factor among many that can shape a child's development.