Adler's Theory Of Birth Order

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In a recent research, Lampi and Nordblom (2010) researched on how the birth order and other family variables affect a person’s positional concern in terms of income and success at work. It was found out that the family environment and the parents’ treatment do affect a person’s concern as an adult. Interestingly, the only-children was found to have the greatest concern on successfulness which is aligned with Adler’s theory on effect of birth order. Adler (1927, as cited in Maltby at el., 2013) pointed out that the only children have a high need of approval and are high achiever, thus always set high goals for themselves. It was also found out that as the number of siblings increases, the probability of a person perceives himself to be compared…show more content…
However, in both Adler’s theory and the research by Lampi and Nordblom, sex and the proximity between siblings were not considered. Relationships between same-sex and different-sex siblings are different. Dunn and Kendrick (1981) found that same-sex siblings and different-sex siblings are treated differently by the parents. Thus, it is possible that the children may feel more rivalry with their same-sex elder sibling while it may feel less for different-sex siblings. Nevertheless, these researches did show the influence of Adler’s theory in current psychological research on understanding development of personality. Erikson adopted Freud’s theory and came out with the theory of psychosocial development. Erikson believed that personality is developed throughout the lifespan, and not restricted to any age. Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development is based on the epigenetic principle, which states that the development involves a series…show more content…
The two qualities of adolescence stage are identity and role confusion. If the stage is managed well, the child is able to achieve a strong sense of self and feeling of independence and control. Otherwise, the child will be confused about self and will also have difficulties achieving a balance in the later stages. Also, the formation of identity is important, in order to develop a psychosocial strength of faithfulness in relationship (Dunkel & Sefcek, 2007). Collins & Bayless (2013) did a study on the influence of caregiving from parents on the development of adolescence. The results showed that adolescents with caregiving have lower life satisfaction and self-esteem, as compared to adolescents without caregiving. Caregiving from parents was the conflict, hence the adolescents could not achieve a sense of self and a feeling of independence, resulting in low life satisfaction and self-esteem. Additionally, adolescents with caregivers are generally having difficulties in making friends. As in Erikson’s theory, the formation of identity is needed as foundation to build friendship. Thus, this study reflected the influence of Erikson’s theory on understanding development of
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