Are you the firstborn or the lastborn in your family? Have you ever wondered why there is a profound difference between you and your sibling’s personalities? Are you more inclined to be the responsible sibling, the caretaker, the perfectionist, or are you the free-spirited, creative, charismatic one?
By Renaldo Pool, BHSc
The complexity of psychological birth order theory suggests that a child’s personality traits are influenced not only by the birth order but also by the dynamic environment in which they are raised. Although it is a controversial topic in psychology due to contradicting findings over the past century, it has evolved to incorporate alternative aspects of personality development since its inception. It further highlights the need for extensive research using neuroscientific studies to substantiate cognitive functioning about external influences and the birth order theory.
A previous article by Dr. David Priede explored various external factors influencing an individual’s personality traits. This article examines the effects of birth order theory by analyzing the external factors impacting the youngest child in the family. It discusses how these elements influence cognitive function, unique personality traits, professional development, and future success.
Takeaways
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Alfred Adler, who originally described the birth order theory in the early 20th century, suggested that depending on the order in which a child was born, the development of personality traits and outcomes later in life are influenced by family dynamics and not solely inherited (Largado et al., 2024). Adler also suggested the concept of the ‘family constellation,’ where each child’s psychological experience differs based on their birth order and what ‘role’ they play in the family hierarchy (Marais, 2022; Villanueva Iglesias & García-Martín, 2023).
Examples of the influence of birth order theory include firstborns who develop authority, perfectionism, and responsibility because of their parents’ expectations. Middle children may experience neglect and inadequacy but develop strong social skills and a sense of justice. Lastborn children often develop sociable, rebellious, and attention-seeking traits to distinguish themselves from their siblings (Marais, 2022, Chang, 2023; Largado et al., 2024).
The Influence of External Factors on Last-born Children
Various external factors contribute to developing specific personality traits, which can be linked with the birth order theory.
Figure 2: Parenting style, attention, and involvement influence specific personality traits of the last-born sibling, contributing to cognitive growth—image source Freepic.
1. Family dynamics, such as parenting style, parental attention, and sibling relationships, influence specific personality trait development of the youngest child in a family (Luo, Song, and Chiu, 2022; Wang, 2023). Parents may adopt a hands-off approach with the youngest sibling, contributing to a greater sense of freedom and independence. This, in turn, provides a sense of creative, risk-taking, and sociable expression as the youngest sibling explores their environment with less supervision from their parents.
In larger families, the youngest might lean towards attention-seeking behavior to distinguish themselves from their siblings. This contributes to resilience and adaptability development. However, feelings of inferiority are also associated with the youngest born in the family (Largado et al., 2024). Growing up with older siblings can foster a competitive environment, and the need for attention drives the youngest child to develop their cooperation and negotiation tactics, assisting in interpersonal development and strong social skills. Ultimately, this fosters prosocial behavior, boosting their confidence and sociability (Okada et al., 2021; Wang, 2023).
2. The Bioecological System’s Theory encompasses the variations seen in environmental influences that contribute to personality development. Growing up in affluent conditions allows exposure to parental involvement, better resources, and education (Largado et al., 2024). This factor greatly influences a child’s self-expression and creative skillset, whereas lower socioeconomic status contributes to additional stressors that hamper emotional development and foster low self-esteem.
3. Social factors such as cultural upbringing and peer relationships play a role in social independence development. Depending on the cultural environment, the last-born could be raised in a setting that focuses on cooperation with their siblings or being self-reliant and individualistic.
The Interplay of Genetics, Environmental Factors, and Personality Traits on Cognitive Function
Figure 3: An interplay exists between genetic predispositions for specific personality traits, environmental factors, birth order, and cognitive development—image source Freepic.
Genetics, Personality Traits, and Environmental Factors
The interplay between genetic and environmental factors contributes to approximately 40-60% of the variation in personality characteristics in the same family (Plomin & Daniels, 2011). Traits such as extraversion and openness to experiences have been associated with a hereditary aspect, which can present differently based on birth order.
One such study has noted that despite a genetic predisposition for specific personality trait potential, it is greatly influenced by environmental stimulation, resulting in a different expression of these traits (Plomin & Daniels, 2011). Therefore, where parental style, behavior, family relationships, and investment are known to be varying factors, each child’s personality development has a different outcome, depending on their birth order (Lehmann et al., 2018). Another study indicated that inheritable temperamental traits were investigated and manifested differently based on the child's birth order and parental involvement (Hartmann & Goudarzi, 2019).
Cognitive Function, Personality Traits, and Environmental Factors
Research has revealed that first-borns receive higher cognitive stimulation from their parents than last-born children (Lehmann et al., 2018). Another study included data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, where first-born siblings have shown precedence in early cognition skills, and later-born children indicated equivalent or even greater skills under specific conditions, further implying that cognitive advancement varies according to birth order in association with environmental factors (Luo, Song, and Chiu, 2022). One such factor is where the resource dilution model’s influence suggests that parental resources become limited and diluted as more children are born into a family (Okada et al., 2021; Luo, Song, and Chiu, 2022; Largado et al., 2024).
Another study probed whether a correlation exists between neural function and birth order's impact on social inclination and emotional intelligence development during adolescence (Largado et al., 2024). Other psychological outcomes were also investigated, such as mental health, self-esteem, and overall happiness (Fukuya et al., 2021). Later-born siblings expressed enhanced prosocial proclivities linked to larger amygdala volume and increased functional connectivity between the prefrontal and amygdala regions (Okada et al., 2021). This also translated into the youngest siblings showing improved emotional regulation, resilience, empathy, and social awareness (Fukuya et al., 2021; Luo, Song, and Chiu, 2022).
Additional factors, such as social interactions with older siblings, further contribute to developing their emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, and leadership qualities (Okada et al., 2021). Albert Bandura’s Social Behavior Theory states that younger children learn social adeptness by observing their older siblings. Being exposed to diverse experiences within the family allows for culturing unique perspectives, which in turn contribute to adaptive skills, conflict resolution, sharing, and resilience (Luo, Song, and Chiu, 2022).
With last-born children actively engaging in a dynamic social setting, the development thereof is connected to neural pathway development for emotional processing. It
also promotes higher cognitive flexibility and creativity. The youngest siblings are influenced by a more relaxed upbringing, which increases risk-taking opportunities. The freedom to take risks solidifies their problem-solving abilities and innovative thinking, with a higher score related to resilience noted in the A-CHILD study. Risk-taking behavior stimulates the ventral striatum's cognitive reward system, enhancing one’s motivation for success and exploration (Fukuya et al., 2021).
A recent study has found an interconnection between last-born children being more adept at creativity, which significantly aids cognitive function and development. Creative thinking fosters cognitive skills, including critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving (Abdulla Alabbasi et al., 2021). Younger siblings are inclined to explore and nurture their interests, depending on the support they receive from their family environment; this impacts their executive memory and function in the prefrontal cortex. It also promotes neuroplasticity and further enhances cognitive development (Wang, 2023).
Youngest siblings growing up in a dynamic family environment are exposed to diverse opportunities for finding creative solutions to complex situations, aiding in establishing a rich cognitive framework. It further enhances their cognitive flexibility by making them think divergently, resulting in the building of innovative skills (Abdulla Alabbasi et al., 2021). Their curiosity, freedom, and openness to attempting new things allow them to enhance their cognitive skills further (Hartmann & Goudarzi, 2019).
Previous research has indicated that birth order and divergent thinking reveal that last-born (as well as later-born) children tend to be more original, innovative, and creative (Abdulla Alabbasi et al., 2021). This suggests a family environment conducive to prioritizing cognitive development and creative expression benefits a child.
The Birth Order Theory’s Impact on the Professional Setting
After discussing the influence of external factors, genetics, and birth order on cognition and personality development in last-born children, we can connect these aspects to their impact on the professional work environment (Fickman, 2020).
Figure 4: The effects of birth order, personality trait expression, environmental influences, and cognition contribute to the outcomes seen in the professional setting of the last-born sibling—image source Freepic.
Personality Trait | Contribution to Cognitive Improvement | Real-World Application |
Creativity | Enhances problem-solving skills and critical thinking, guiding innovative solutions. | Effective in roles requiring innovation, such as marketing or design. |
Cognitive Flexibility | Cultivates quick decision-making skills and adaptability in dynamic environments. | Valuable in fast-paced industries like technology or consulting. |
Risk-Taking | Promotes exploration of new ideas and improving strategies, contributing to breakthroughs in project development. | Essential in entrepreneurial ventures and creative projects. |
Social Intelligence | Encourages collaboration and effective communication, an essential aspect of teamwork and leadership. | Crucial in management roles or team-based projects. |
Resilience | Enhances persistence for problem-solving in challenging situations. | Beneficial in high-pressure environments where adaptability is key. |
Divergent Thinking | Fosters innovation and creativity, contributing to unique approaches in professional tasks. | Applicable in creative fields like advertising, arts, or product development. |
Curiosity | Drives continuous learning and knowledge acquisition, ensuring expertise over time. | Necessary for roles that require ongoing education and skill development. |
Table 1: The effect of personality traits on cognitive involvement in real-world applications in the professional setting
Future Research Involvement Integrating Birth Order Theory with Neuroscience
Despite the intricacies of birth order theory and the conflicting findings over the years, numerous opportunities for future research remain. The influence of neuroscientific investigation can shed light on the effects of birth order theory and environmental factors on personality traits and cognitive development.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) or Electroencephalogram (EEG) methods for neuroimaging can provide insight into brain structure, activity, and connectivity, comparing findings based on the child's birth order. The insights provided can relate to creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and emotional regulation and can set a biological foundation for the effects of birth order theory.
If longitudinal studies of cognitive development can be investigated from infancy to adulthood, the birth order theory can be clarified over a specific timeframe. Different aspects can be incorporated to determine birth order’s influence on cognitive development, such as parental behavior and style variations, changes in family dynamics, emotional support, and involvement in mental development.
Investigative research for cross-cultural comparisons could show how diverse sociocultural environments, considering parental behavior and sibling relationships, influence cognition outcomes about birth order.
Improved neuropsychological assessment techniques can indicate how last-born children versus first-borns manage to regulate their emotions effectively, providing insight into the underlying mechanisms of cognition.
Focusing on the perceived view of psychological and chronological birth order could enhance the understanding and influence these views have on the personality development of last-born and first-born siblings.
Conclusion
Over the past century, the dynamic interplay between environmental influences and birth order theory in shaping personality traits, cognitive development, and professional success has been studied. This interplay offers significant insights while also presenting contradictory findings.
The main takeaway is that, despite biases and expectations regarding a sibling’s role in the family, various external influences and each child’s psychological experiences play a crucial role in their upbringing, ultimately shaping personality development, cognition, and future professional success. It is important to note that the diversity of factors involved is not seen as a systematic influence on the personality development of the youngest sibling due to the wide range of variations indicated in research findings over the years.
This article offers insight into birth order theory while expanding our comprehension of human development in today’s dynamic environment. With the potential for future scientifically-based investigations, it facilitates the creation of effective practical parenting strategies, innovative educational models, and tailored professional career development initiatives to address different personality types and cognitive involvement in a child’s upbringing.
References
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About Renaldo Pool, BHSc
As a medical laboratory scientist, I'm passionate about research and writing. I combine theory and practice to explore healthcare advancements. Ultimately, I strive to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical application, contributing positively to the general population's health. Follow me on Linkedin.
