Middle child syndrome

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Middle child syndrome is the belief that middle children are excluded, ignored or even outright neglected because of their birth order. This alleged effect is supposed to occur because the first child is more prone to receiving privileges and responsibilities (by virtue of being the oldest), while the youngest in the family is more likely to receive indulgences. The second child (or middle child) no longer has their status as the baby and is left with no clear role in the family,[1] or a feeling of being "left out".[2]

There is often a negative connotation surrounding the term "middle child syndrome." It is debated whether the family dynamic imposes this negative attitude or if middle children develop it themselves, or if it exists at all. The APA Dictionary of psychology states that "the notion that [birth order] has strong and consistent effects on psychological outcomes is not supported".[3]

Favoritism for middle children generally does not feel like they are the favorite child of the family. It may exist for the oldest child  - who is viewed as special- and for the youngest -who is viewed as the baby. Middle child falls somewhere in between and is unable to be the favorite. 

When thinking about the theory of birth order and the studies that have been done it is important to remember that correlation does not equal causation. Many similar theories regarding birth order seek to classify and box in personality aspects of individuals based on birth order. However, in recent years some have noted that family dynamics have changed in that there are often larger gaps between children, there are merged families with step-siblings as well as blended families because of adoption. All of these factors can affect the way siblings view themselves within the family group.

Theories[]

Alfred Adler (1870–1937), was an Austrian psychiatrist and worked closely with Sigmund Freud and founded the school of individual psychology. Specializing the inferiority complex, Adler was a pioneer in psychology as the first to theorize that birth order influences personality. He also believed that birth order had a lasting impact on an individual's methods of coping with stress and problem solving skills in adulthood. Adler's theory revolves around the nuclear family structure, with both parents present in the children's lives, an average space between siblings, and excluding extenuating circumstances such as the birth of twins, a tragedy in the family, or the occurrence of step-siblings. Adlerian researchers take a more modern approach of studying birth order today, in which they move away from studying the phenomenon of birth order traits in favor of studying the effects of birth order on Style of Life.

According to Adler's birth order theory,  a child may have several personality characteristics, depending on their birth order. For example:

  • The oldest child is more authoritarian and feels all-powerful due to the high expectations often set by the parents.
  • The youngest child is treated like a spoiled baby and can never rise above the other siblings.
  • The middle child is even-tempered but has trouble fitting in due to being sandwiched between the younger and older siblings.

References[]

  1. ^ Gore, Janet L.; Amend, Edward R. (2007). A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children. Great Potential Press. pp. 197–198. ISBN 978-0-910707-52-7.
  2. ^ Kotin, Joel (1995). Getting Started: An Introduction to Dynamic Psychotherapy. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. p. 46. ISBN 1-56821-451-0.Guarendi, Raymond N. (1985). You're a Better Parent Than You Think!: A Guide to Common-Sense Parenting. Prentice Hall Press. p. 83. ISBN 0-671-76595-7.
  3. ^ "Birth order". APA Dictionary of Psychology. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. n.d. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
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