This chapter examines the intricate relationship between birth order and personality traits, challenging stereotypes related to firstborns, middle children, and youngest siblings. By featuring insights from notable figures and scientific research, it delves into how siblings' roles influence their personalities and how various factors, including family size and age, contribute to individual differences. The discussion also highlights the Big Five personality traits while emphasizing that findings are not deterministic and that personal experiences vary significantly.
We all know the cliches about older siblings being responsible, younger ones creative, and middle children being peacemakers. But is there any evidence our position in the family affects our personality? In this episode from March 2024, Madeleine Finlay meets Dr Julia Rohrer, a personality psychologist at the University of Leipzig, to unpick the science behind birth order. Help support our independent journalism at
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