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

December 18th 2024

vocational aptitude

the personal abilities and traits required for successful performance of the tasks involved in a particular occupation.