From first born to the youngest, here's what your birth order tells about your personality

Personality-wise, most siblings are different from one another. Psychologists have attributed these differences to people's birth order.

The birth order theory was first introduced in the 20th century by Alfred Adler, an Austrian psychotherapist. He believed that people's personalities are shaped and developed on the basis of what order they were born in. According to him, family, community, and social aspects also impacted a child's personality development.

Also read: Common types of child abuse; Signs to watch out for and what you can do to prevent it

Further developing this argument, Frank J. Sulloway, PhD, an American psychologist, in his book "Born to Rebel: Birth Order, Family Dynamics, and Creative Lives", said that family dynamics also played a role in shaping personalities during childhood. But while no conclusions have been reached, many psychologists believe that one's birth order does in fact have an effect on their personality development.

That said, as per the order of your birth, here are some of your personality traits.

First born or the eldest kids have their parents all to themselves, at least for a brief period of time until they plan ahead with another child. However, given that you're their first, they're most likely to commit themselves to you. They'll be extra careful with you, give you all their attention and love.

On the downside however, they may also expect a lot from you, which is why you may be goal oriented, outspoken and stubborn about what you want in life. You'll also be one of the guiding lights for your siblings to come, which is why your parents may be stricter with you, so you set good examples.

Middle children are often stereotyped to be the peacekeepers. They're likely to be more adaptable to terms, socially acceptable, and great at negotiations and compromise. However, children who are neither the eldest nor the youngest tend to feel stuck in between. They are likely to feel as though they're receiving less attention from their parents and therefore tend to develop a competitive streak. You may sometimes rebel so as to be heard.

Youngest children often take one of the two parts set out for them, as per the psychotherapist Adler. Either they tread on the path to success or if they lack confidence and self-esteem, they may become ignorant or may avoid certain situations.

You may have more independence and less responsibilities on your shoulder as compared to your eldest sibling, which is why you're bound to be the risk taker, outgoing personality. But even when you have the freedom, you may sometimes find yourself dependent on others.

If you're an only child, you may have received all your parents' attention and love. Sibling rivalry is not something you may have known, so there's a lot you can miss along the way. Competition only comes at a later stage when you start socializing with other kids in kindergarten or school.

Because your parents are so overprotective of you, you may have become dependent on them to some extent. There's a chance you may be deprived of certain boundaries which is why you don't really understand much about it.