Debunking Stereotypes About Only Children

Many common stereotypes suggest that only children are lonely, spoiled, and maladjusted, originating from a misunderstanding of their experiences. Historically, these beliefs were based on assumptions rather than scientific evidence, with people presuming that a lack of siblings leads to social and developmental deficits. However, research shows that only children often fare just as well, or even better, in various aspects of life compared to their peers with siblings. For example, studies indicate that only children in countries like China report feeling less lonely than those with siblings, challenging the notion that isolation leads to chronic loneliness.