The effects of birth order on personality traits and feelings of academic sibling rivalry

Julia Badger, Peter Reddy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

Abstract

The influence of birth order on personality and sibling rivalry is controversial; little research has been conducted into academic sibling rivalry, and none into the connection with personality traits. This study considers the interaction of all three factors. Firstborns (N=22) and lastborns (N=24) completed online personality tests and an Academic Sibling Rivalry Questionnaire. Lastborns were found to experience more academic sibling rivalry: t=2.33, DF=44; p less than 0.05, whereas firstborns are more likely to be conscientious: F(1,44)=3.58; p less than 0.05, and dutiful: F(1,44)=5.39; p less than 0.05. This raises possible implications in domains including education, health and psychotherapy. Further research could be conducted to expand these findings in terms of variables and geographical location. (Contains 2 figures.)
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)45-54
Number of pages10
JournalPsychology Teaching Review
Volume15
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 2009

Keywords

  • personality traits
  • siblings
  • sibling relationship
  • correlation
  • family environment
  • birth order
  • psychotherapy
  • competition
  • interaction
  • academic achievement
  • college students
  • psychology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The effects of birth order on personality traits and feelings of academic sibling rivalry'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this