“The only child has advantages and disadvantages. Without brothers and sisters he develops differently... he becomes accustomed to the attention of adults and continues to expect this attention in later life. If he is not spoiled, he is often found to be more interested in intellectual pursuits.”
—
Alfred Adler
Understanding Life (1929), Greenberg Publishers; also The Practice and Theory of Individual Psychology (1920)
Commentary
Adler pioneered birth-order analysis, arguing that position in the family constellation shapes personality and compensatory strategies. The only child, firstborn, middle, youngest—each occupies a different 'position' and develops corresponding psychological patterns.
This was empirically revolutionary (Alfred Adler's birth-order theory remains influential in personality psychology). Importantly, Adler insisted that birth order does not determine destiny but establishes initial conditions. How parents respond, what conclusions the child draws—these are psychological (not biological) factors. This emphasis on subjective interpretation influenced later cognitive and existential approaches.
Commentary
Adler pioneered birth-order analysis, arguing that position in the family constellation shapes personality and compensatory strategies. The only child, firstborn, middle, youngest—each occupies a different 'position' and develops corresponding psychological patterns.
This was empirically revolutionary (Alfred Adler's birth-order theory remains influential in personality psychology). Importantly, Adler insisted that birth order does not determine destiny but establishes initial conditions. How parents respond, what conclusions the child draws—these are psychological (not biological) factors. This emphasis on subjective interpretation influenced later cognitive and existential approaches.