There is foralways stereotypes. Theis often hardworking, responsible and reliable,always a bit more spoiled and lazier and, there is one, then it's constantly craving attention.
There is probably a bit of truth in all of these prejudices, even if they don't apply to everyone. According to the findings, in addition to the typical behavior that children display depending on their birth order, there is one thingnew studymental health also depends on this.
Accordingly, older siblings, but also only children, are more often affected by depression and anxiety in direct comparison with second and later-born children.
Factors affecting mental health
Dieof a person always depends on a variety of factors. For example, the mental health of parents plays a role, the general living conditions, possible traumas, aand much more plays a role. And also the birth order, as the study by Epic, a company that manages health records, showed.
The company's scientific study was based on medical records from over 180,000 children, all born between 2009 and 2016. In the USA, a type of anxiety screening is required at the age of 8 as part of a preventive examination. The scientists evaluated the data from this screening in more detail. They also took other parameters into account, such as the gender of the child, the mother's history of anxiety or depression, but also, for example, the family's insurance coverage or their place of residence in a rural or urban area.
Probabilities of anxiety in children
The results clearly showed that firstborns with younger siblings were 48% more likely to have an anxiety disorder during their anxiety screening compared to children born second or later.
In the analysis of the data, only children also showed a 42% increased likelihood of having an anxiety disorder compared to children born second or later.
Probabilities of depression in children
The study data also shows that first-born children with younger siblings are up to 35% more likely to develop depression than second- or later-born children.
In direct comparison with second- or later-born children, only children also have an increased likelihood of depression by up to 38%.
Causes of disparities in children's mental health
The study itself does not attempt to investigate the causes of the large differences in the mental health of siblings or only children. There is probably no single reason why firstborns and only children are more at risk of developing an anxiety disorder or depression.
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Stress or the sense of responsibility at a young age may play a role. First-born children, as well as only children, are in a sense the 'test children' for parents who have no experience in being parents and raising children. The parents' expectations of the child may be particularly high, which in turn can lead to increased stress.
Larger or oldest siblings are also often entrusted with the supervision of smaller siblings. This doesn't necessarily have to be overwhelming for them, but it can create pressure and stress for them.
Younger siblings, on the other hand, usually always have another child to look to for guidance. They look up to him and see him as a good advisor and someone they can trust. In addition, younger siblings are less likely to have to fight with their parents for freedom. One could argue that they often have a more carefree and less stressful life.
Promote mental health in children
Regardless of whether it is one child, two or three - a loving, safe and structured environment, healthy lifestyle habits and open communication can be the basis for healthy psychological development in children. It is important that children learn to manage their emotions, build healthy relationships, and find constructive solutions to challenges.
Especially those, i.e. the ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations, but also to overcome crises, is important for children so that they develop psychologically healthy. But also a good oneand a realistic self-perception help you go through life feeling stronger.
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