Does birth order influence our personality?

According to many psychologists, whether we are only children or have siblings visibly affects our personality. But how does the order of birth influence our character? Are there traits common to eldest, youngest, youngest and only children?

The elders

Seniors are often seen as leaders, responsible, ambitious and perfectionists. They tend to be more confident, competitive, and conformist than their siblings. They also have a sense of duty and a drive to succeed. These characteristics can be explained by the fact that they benefited from the exclusive attention of their parents for a certain time, that they had to assume the role of model for their juniors and that they were subjected to expectations higher.

Cadets

Cadets are often perceived as rebellious, creative, sociable and charming. They tend to be more relaxed, flexible and open to new experiences than their elders. They also have a sense of humor and an ability to adapt. These characteristics can be explained by the fact that they had to differentiate themselves from their older siblings, that they benefited from a less strict upbringing and that they developed relational skills to find a place for themselves in family.

The youngest

The youngest are often seen as darlings, comedians, adventurers and optimists. They tend to be more spontaneous, more cheerful and more curious than their siblings. They also have a sense of fun and self-confidence. These characteristics can be explained by the fact that they were surrounded by love and protection, that they benefited from the experience of their elders and that they learned to attract attention by their originality.

Only children are often described as mature, independent, loners and intellectuals. They tend to be more focused, more organized and more demanding than other children. They also have great imaginations and strong self-esteem. These characteristics can be explained by the fact that they were raised as adults, that they did not have to share the affection of their parents and that they developed a rich inner life.

Of course, these profiles are not set in stone or universal. There are many factors that can influence an individual’s personality, such as gender, temperament, upbringing, or social background. Birth order is just one of many things that can help shape our character. It is therefore important not to let ourselves be locked into stereotypes or labels, but rather to recognize the uniqueness and diversity of each person.