Adler Birth Order Personality Family Constellation Theory

Adlerian theory stresses the fact that birth order can have a major impact on a child’s development. Adler called this the family constellation, stressing that even children raised in the same family are not actually being raised in the same environment, because of the order of their birth succession (Horner et al., 2017). For example, first order birth children may receive more parental attention, but may also have greater responsibility caring for younger siblings and feel the greater weight of parental expectations, which can lead to greater stressors. Younger children may receive lower expectation and less discipline than those higher in the birth order. This stands in stark contrast to some other theories of childhood development, such as Freud’s, whereby the theorist suggests a more general, universal developmental pattern based upon the sexual awareness of the client (whether he is male or female).

Perhaps unsurprisingly, because Adler’s theory seems intuitively true for those who have siblings, the concept of birth order has become highly popularized in pop psychology and the media. This is evident in a 2021 article by the BBC news service which emphasizes the persistence of sibling rivalry, noting that rivalries can continue regarding decision-making about when and where to hold family get-togethers to questions of who is or was the favorite child (Morgan, 2021). The article also expands upon some concepts of Adlerian theory, including noting that children who are very close in age and birth order can have the most intense rivalries. The article also notes that contrary to the common idea that all families must get along harmoniously, some dyads of siblings are in constant conflict, competing over athletic and academic achievements, as well as parental attention.

The Adlerian concept of birth order fostering family differences rather than similarities does not state explicitly that conflict is inevitable within the family dynamic, but because such intense differences can arise, the article by Morgan (2021) makes many valid points. In contrast to when Adler wrote, children often have much greater autonomy within the family today to express their opinions, which may include expressing opinions regarding their feelings about siblings close in birth order. As children age, and gain the responsibility of caring for aging parents as well as have grandchildren competing for family resources, once again conflicts may ensue (Morgan, 2021).

However, the article by Morgan (2021) notes that conflict is a part of life, and handling the conflicts which may arise because of birth order can help children handle conflicts outside the family as they age. Psychologists emphasize that, especially in Western society, there is an emphasis on competition and comparison, and sibling positioning makes this one of the most intense relationships most people will have. Siblings are also within the radar of most family members constantly and consistently. It is difficult to have distance and perspective in terms of sibling accomplishments and personality differences.

This emphasis on comparison can encourage siblings to differentiate one another based on accomplishments, which can further intensify the differences between family members. For example, a child with an athletically talented sibling may emphasize their academic accomplishments, or vice versa. Once again, birth order and parental attention, as well as relative responsibility in the household for chores and looking after younger family members can encourage children to distinguish themselves as unique.