Birth Order Effects on Extraversion and Introversion

Introduction

Much study has been applied to understanding the specific characteristics and genetic differences that may be assigned according to birth order among siblings. The objective of this paper is to research and examine those studies in order to understand precisely what effects birth order has on the individual in terms of their development and personality characteristics — specifically as related to introversion and extraversion.

The theorist Alfred Adler proposed that an individual's personality depends to some extent on their position within the family relative to sibling birth order. Adler posited that older children are generally more oriented toward achievement and more traditionally minded than younger children. Second-born children, according to Adler's theory, are generally very competitive and ambitious but less concerned with power, while last-born children are generally more sociable and more dependent. Adler contended that only children tend to mature earlier but remain dependent for a longer period. Of the "middle" child, Adler stated that this child often feels "sandwiched in," does not feel significant, adopts a "take it or leave it" attitude, has trouble finding a place, and may become a fighter of injustice.

The following table presents the Alderian Overview of Birth Order Characteristics, developed by Henry T. Stein, Ph.D.

Figure 1: Alderian Overview of Birth Order Characteristics (Source: Henry T. Stein, Ph.D.)

Only Child: Birth is considered a miracle; parents have no previous experience. The child retains full attention from both parents, may become a rival of one parent, and can be over-protected and spoiled. Characteristics include liking to be the center of adult attention, difficulty sharing with siblings and peers, preference for adult company, and use of adult language.

Oldest Child: Dethroned by the next child and must learn to share. Parental expectations are usually very high; the child is often given responsibility and expected to set an example. May become authoritarian or strict, feels that power is a right, can become helpful if encouraged, and may turn to the father after the birth of the next child.

Second Child: Always has someone ahead — a "pacemaker." Is more competitive and wants to overtake the older child. May become a rebel or try to outdo everyone; competition can deteriorate into rivalry.

The Extrovert and Introvert: Jung's Framework

Middle Child: Is "sandwiched" in and may feel squeezed out of a position of privilege and significance. May be even-tempered with a "take it or leave it" attitude, have trouble finding a place, or become a fighter of injustice.

Youngest Child: Has many "mothers and fathers" as older siblings try to educate the child. Is never dethroned. Wants to be bigger than the others, may have grand plans that never work out, can remain "the baby," and is frequently spoiled.

Twin: One twin is usually stronger or more active; parents may regard one as the older. Can have identity problems; the stronger one may become the leader.

"Ghost Child": A child born after the death of a previous child may have a "ghost" preceding them; the mother may become over-protective. The child may exploit the mother's over-concern or may rebel and protest the feeling of being compared to an idealized memory.

Adopted Child: Parents may be so grateful to have a child that they spoil the child and try to compensate for the loss of biological parents. The child may become very spoiled and demanding, and may eventually resent or idealize the biological parents.

Only Boy Among Girls: Usually surrounded by women if the father is absent. May try to prove he is the man in the family, or may become effeminate.

Jung's Four Personality Functions

Only Girl Among Boys: Older brothers may act as protectors. Can become very feminine, or become a tomboy and outdo her brothers. May try to please the father.

All Boys / All Girls: If parents wanted a child of the opposite sex, that child may be dressed accordingly. The child may capitalize on the assigned role or protest it vigorously.

Carl Jung is well known for his theories of extraversion and introversion. Cranton and Knoop (1995) describe Jung's framework as follows: "Jung identified two basic types of people, two contrary attitudes, and two mechanisms of adaptation and defense: introversion and extraversion. He saw both modes of psychic reaction as operating alternatively in the same person. One, extraversion, moves toward objects, people or things; the other, introversion, moves toward the subject, one's own mind, and inner being" (p. 253).

Jung believed that extroverts are fascinated by objects and that through objects extroverts find the ability to define themselves and interact with their environment. According to Jung, extroverts tend to be "open, sociable and jovial, or at least friendly and approachable" and are individuals who are "on good terms with everybody, or quarrel with everybody, but always relate to them in some way, and in turn are affected by them" (Jung, 1921/1971, cited in Cranton and Knoop, 1995, p. 253). Extroverts are highly adaptable and tend to be the "life of the party," enjoying being in the spotlight. They are most comfortable in a group of like-minded people and naturally attract others to themselves. The extrovert has the "need to join in and 'get with it,' the capacity to endure the bustle and noise of every kind, and actually find them enjoyable" (Jung, 1921/1971, cited in Cranton and Knoop, 1995, p. 253).

The introvert, by contrast, tends to define themselves through their own individual revelations and looks inward rather than outward to others for self-definition. These individuals tend to be more serene in nature and may appear aloof to the extroverts in their lives. Cranton and Knoop (1995) describe introverts as follows: "Their emotions, passions, and powerful impulses lie dormant under the surface of their equanimity. They try to hold their ground against outside influences by giving them low value, by letting in only flashes and snippets of what is happening, or by staying aloof from them altogether" (p. 254).