Alderian Overview of Birth Order Characteristics

Alderian Birth Order Characteristics Teacher Notes

Alfred Adler - Was very much interested in early childhood development as Freud was - Agreed with Freud that it was important to deal with one’s own aggressive and sexual impulses - Believed that our lives are governed by our need to overcome feelings of inferiority that are perceived by our conscious mind o “The individual feels his existence to be worthwhile just so far as he is useful to others and is overcoming feelings of inferiority”

Alder’s Theory of Birth Order Characteristics - The psychological situation of each child in the family is different. - The child's opinion of himself and his situation determines his choice of attitude. - If more than 3 years separate the children, sub-groups of birth order may form. - Another child may seize a child’s birth order position if circumstances permit. - Competition may be expressed in choice of interests or development of characteristics. - Birth order is sometimes not a major influence on personality development. o The other potentially significant influences are: parental attitudes, social & economic position, and gender roles. - Adler speculated that birth order differences would begin to disappear when families became less competitive and autocratic, and more cooperative and democratic. Outline of Alderian Birth Order Characteristics

FAMILY CHILD'S POSITION SITUATION CHARACTERISTICS Birth is a miracle. Parents have no previous Likes being the centre of adult attention. experience. Retains 200% attention from Often has difficulty sharing with siblings ONLY both parents. May become rival of one and peers. Prefers adult company and uses parent. Can be over-protected and spoiled. adult language. Dethroned by next child. Has to learn to May become authoritarian or strict. Feels share. Parent expectations are usually very power is his right. Can become helpful if OLDEST high. Often given responsibility and encouraged. May turn to father after birth of expected to set an example. next child. Is more competitive, wants to overtake older He has a pacemaker. There is always child. May become a rebel or try to outdo SECOND someone ahead. everyone. Competition can deteriorate into rivalry. May be even-tempered, "take it or leave it" Is "sandwiched" in. May feel squeezed out MIDDLE attitude. May have trouble finding a place or of a position of privilege and significance. become a fighter of injustice. Has many mothers and fathers. Older Wants to be bigger than the others. May YOUNGEST children try to educate him. Never have huge plans that never work out. Can dethroned. stay the "baby." Frequently spoiled. One is usually stronger or more active. Can have identity problems. Stronger one TWIN Parents may see one as the older. may become the leader. Child may exploit mother's over-concern for Child born after the death of the first child "GHOST his well-being, or he may rebel, and protest may have a "ghost" in front of him. Mother CHILD" the feeling of being compared to an may become over-protective. idealized memory. Parents may be so thankful to have a child Child may become very spoiled and ADOPTED that they spoil him. They may try to demanding. Eventually, he may resent or CHILD compensate for the loss of his biological idealize the biological parents. parents. ONLY BOY Usually with women all the time, if father May try to prove he is the man in the AMONG GIRLS is away. family, or become effeminate. Can become very feminine, or a tomboy and ONLY GIRL Older brothers may act as her protectors. outdo the brothers. May try to please the AMONG BOYS father. If mother wanted a girl, can be dressed as a Child may capitalize on assigned role or ALL BOYS girl. protest it vigorously. Child may capitalize on assigned role or ALL GIRLS May be dressed as a boy. protest it vigorously.