Effect of Birth Order on a Child's Personality

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between birth order and personality of a child, Using causal comparative research design and t-test for independent sample, it was found that the first born subjects (N=26) who attempted to live up to parents’ standards and expectations achieved significantly high scores on the self acceptance, responsibility, achievement via independence and achievement via conformance subtest of the California Psychological Inventory (M=22.7, SD=8.76) than the last bom (M=19.7, SD=8.86). It was found that high parental demand and expectations from of the first-borns resulted in greater scores on achievement via conformance scale and achievement via independence scale of the CPI than the last born children. The =. scores were 7.07 and 2.2 respectively, t(26)= +2.021, P<.05. This confirmed significant effect of birth order on achievement via conformance and achievement via independence. It was also confirmed that first-borns had significantly high scores on responsibility scale of CPI than last born, ta score was 6.82, t (26) = +2.021, P<.05, due to more exposure 19 adult models and the desire to reduce the parental fatigue. It was further found that parents appeared to be more attentive and affectionate toward their first-born children which might be the reason of their high scores on the self acceptance scale of CPI.