Birth Order & Sibling Behavior Introduction Research demonstrates d

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 desc

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support for this argument (pp. 538-539). Epkins and Dedmon (1999) presented children's self-reports regarding children's behavior. Research shows sibling experiences vary depending on birth order, age, sex and spacing. First-born girls and boys have been reported as more aggressive, particularly with closely spaced siblings; more positive behaviors were found with wider spacing. This study found that children simply reported boys to be more aggressive than girls, regardless of age or spacing (pp. 372, 380). Verbal & Nonverbal Communication Verbal and nonverbal communication differs for birth position. First-borns may receive the best of the parental love and attention as well as the biggest force of their discipline, protectiveness, values, and standards. This can result in rigidness and intolerance toward others. The second is more likely to be diplomatic and friendly toward others. The second child learns to get needs met within a family structure that includes a stronger or more powerful sibling. The second child receives a more relaxed and less demanding verbal and nonverbal interaction with parents (Forer & Still, 1976, pp. 16-17). The first-born may receive more warmth and closeness from the mother than the secon

Category: Psychology - B