Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Birth order refers to the chronological position of an individual among their siblings in a family. It is believed that birth order may influence various aspects of personality and behavior.
Related terms
Sibling rivalry: The competition or conflict between siblings, which can be influenced by birth order.
Personality traits: The enduring patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that distinguish individuals from one another.
Longitudinal study: A research method that follows the same group of individuals over an extended period to observe changes and gather data on variables such as birth order and personality traits.