Birth Order Research Paper

I. Birth order for many psychologists is a myth and therefore does not effect your life as and adult or child. But American psychologist Frank Sulloway has concluded that birth order is meaningful. Frank even goes far enough to say that “Family is the foremost engine of historical change”. Besides having an impact on history, he identified how birth order is the most important factor in a child’s personality, and what he or she will do when they grow up. Personality, social skills, and professional success as an adult and are part determined by birth order and may also be influenced by parents.

II. Birth order studies have found many stereotypes for child.

A. First born children are very good leaders and usually smarter than his or her …show more content…
Middle children have older and younger siblings, so they don’t really know their place in the family.
1. Since younger children don’t really know their place, they tend to have large social circles and lots of friends. They also are peacemakers between siblings.
a. Middle children rely on friendships instead of family.

D. Youngest children are usually called the babies of the family.
1. They are commonly spoiled and a bit lazy because they have no siblings to compete with behind them.
2. Sometimes these are the parent’s favorite, mostly because they feel as if the youngest is being dragged behind, or left out.
3. They are manipulative and attention seekers because they want to be bigger and better than their older siblings.
E. Only children are very mature for their age.
1. Without any siblings to relate or compete with, only children get everything from the parents. Attention, love, and also expectations from them. They also don’t get for their childhood, but for their whole life.
2. Only children are very mature due to the fact that they were always around adults when they were younger.
3. In fact, they are very similar to eldest children because they have to make their own decisions and lead …show more content…
Relationships between siblings.

A. Siblings who have a closer age space, will have a stronger and more friendly bond and relationship.
1. Therefore, twins will have a great bond between them and feel as if they are working together.
B. Step siblings, when entering into the family can be very welcome or pushed out.
1. If a step sibling arrives, then the oldest child might think that she is getting thrown over by the new step- sibling.
2. The youngest feels as if that the new step- baby is getting all of the attention.
C. Siblings can also effect a child’s personality and social life.
1. Siblings can change each other a lot in their personality. If a brother says something mean to a sister, then the sister might try to change herself and try to fit in with society.
VI. Intellectual development between family and in birth order.

A. Families size can determine how high or low each persons IQ is.
1. Bigger families tend to have an lower IQ on average, and smaller families with a higher average.
2. Some researchers claim that IQ is calculated by before birth effects.
B. The wider the age gap, the higher the IQ for each sibling.
C. Twins

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