Research demonstrates differences in behaviors of siblings
that are attributed to birth order. Birth order research has been controversial, due to the nature vs nurture dilemma. Many have concluded that firth order effects result from additional factors such as family size or sibling spacing, and parental interactions. This research paper will present findings regarding birth order effects on communication or interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and parental behavior.
Birth Order Effects on Communication/Interaction
Research shows that birth position results in personality tendencies that affect family communication and interaction. First-borns tend to be adult-socialized and second- or later-borns tend to be peer-socialized; first-borns tend to learn from parents and later-borns tend to learn from siblings. It is concluded that this type of socialization results in first-borns being more achievement oriented and second-borns being more popular, accepting of risk, and more independent of authority. First-borns tend to be highly motivated, self-confident, conforming, and oriented to authority and responsibility. Last-borns tend to be more favored and protected by the parents, and less apt to peruse achievements (Claxton, 1994, pp. 475-476).
A study of 139 students demonstrated personality attributes of first- and second-borns, and the parental bias in favor of a birth position linked to personality. First-borns were described as dominant and aggressive, with qualities of independence, responsibility, intelligence, ambition, friendliness and caring. This position was found to be directly related to leadership; females were nurturing and responsible and males were dominant and independent. The youngest birth position demonstrated qualities of sociableness and thoughtfulness with less frequent reports of responsibility, dominance, intelligence, independence, ambition, and nurturance. Males were foun...