Birth order: Firstborns and only children are at risk!

A new study from Epic Research examines the influence of birth order on children's mental health. As part of the analysis, the medical records of over 180,000 children born between 2009 and 2016 were evaluated. The results regarding the mentality of firstborns and only children are particularly striking.

Research shows that firstborns with siblings are 48% more likely to have anxiety by the age of eight than children with older siblings. Only children are 42% more likely to experience anxiety. The differences are also significant when it comes to depression: only children have a 38% higher risk, while first-borns are affected 35% more often than their siblings.

Risk factors and possible explanations

The study took into account external factors such as demographics, parental mental health and early childhood births. However, no specific reasons have been identified for the higher rates of mental illness among first-borns and only children. Caleb Cox, head of research and data science at Epic Research, emphasizes the importance of understanding these risk factors to better support children.

Possible explanations for the psychological stress identified include parental insecurity and different parenting methods. Younger siblings could benefit from their parents' experiences. The responsibilities often given to older siblings can have both positive and negative effects. Too much responsibility can be stressful for older children, especially if they have additional obligations. Molly Fox, a biological anthropologist, adds that caring for younger siblings may make evolutionary sense, but is seen as a burden in modern society.