Investigating the effects birth order has on personality, self-esteem, satisfaction with life and age
Authors
Johson, Sharon
Issue Date
2014
Degree
Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
This study aims to investigate the controversial concept of birth order and its effects on personality, self-esteem and satisfaction with life between 18-40 years of age and over 40 years of age. Participants (n=200) completed online questionnaires measuring birth order, personality, self-esteem, satisfaction with life and age. Correlations examined relationships between personality, satisfaction with life and self-esteem. ANOVA’s tested differences between birth order and personality and birth order, personality, self-esteem and satisfaction with life between ages. Satisfaction with life positively correlated with extraversion and self-esteem, and negatively associated with neuroticism. Last-borns scored significantly higher on openness to experience than middle-borns. No age differences were found between all variables. Differences were found between birth order and openness to experience. Satisfaction with life was positively correlated with extraversion and self-esteem, and negatively associated with neuroticism. Findings will be contributable to lifespan developmental psychology. Author keywords: Birth order, personality, self-esteem, satisfaction with life, age