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middle-child syndrome

a hypothetical condition purported to be shared by all middle-born children, based on the assumption that middle children in a family develop personality characteristics that are different from first-born and later born children. Current research indicates that a child’s birth order in a particular family may have small, subtle influences on personality and intelligence but not strong and consistent effects on psychological outcomes. See also birth order.

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Psychology term of the day

May 9th 2024

ecosystemic approach

ecosystemic approach

an approach to therapy that emphasizes the interaction between the individual or family and larger social contexts, such as schools, workplaces, and social agencies. The approach emphasizes interrelatedness and interdependency and derives from diverse fields, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, and political science. Family therapy in particular, has made use of this approach in designing interventions for complex families and systems. See also ecological systems theory. [developed in psychology by Urie Bronfenbrenner]