d to be dependent and independent and females were more independent. The youngest position was found to have a larger range of negative traits, they would be more often viewed as dependent, irresponsible, immature, spoiled, and rebellious; females were seen as passive and males were found to be insecure, self-centered, and lazy. First born was found to be the favored position. The researchers conclude that this bias needs to be further examined to help avoid this tendency and its resulting sibling rivalry, in favor of a more democratic family structure (Nyman, 1995, p. 55).
Stein (2000) reports an overview of birth order characteristics, according to the Adlerian philosophy. According to Alfred Adler, the oldest child is dethroned by the second child and must then learn to share. For this child, the parental expectations may be very high; the child may be given large amounts of responsibility and be expected to set an appropriate example. This child in turn may become authoritarian and strict, with the view of the right to power. With encouragement, the child may become helpful. In some cases the child may turn to the father for attention once the second child arrives (p. 1).
Adler views the second child as the pacemaker, always following the one ahead. He also views the second as more competitive, with efforts to overtake the first-born. This child may become a rebel, trying to outdo the first (Stein, p. 1).
Medell (1997) reviews Sulloway's theory, found in his book Born To Rebel, Birth Order, Family Dynamics, and Creative Lives, and reports that first-born children want to secure their hold on the parent and formulate a sibling strategy involving an identification with and a compliance to the parents. In this case the later-born chil
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