birth-order theories

Hypotheses to explain apparent differences among siblings depending on whether they are oldest, middle, or youngest children. Some theorists suggest that the personalities of the first born are influenced by the fact that more is usually expected of them, so they tend to become achievers but also tend to have more feelings of insecurity and failure. On the other hand, middle children are often made to feel inferior to their older siblings, so they may try harder to catch up or display traits of inadequacy feelings or anger in interacting with others. Youngest children, according to many of these theorists, may refine attention-getting skills and narcissistic traits. The research on such hypotheses is still inconclusive and somewhat contradictory.