Mental Health: Increased Risk for First-Born and Only Children
According to the study, which analyzed data from 180,000 children in the USA, firstborns and only children have a significantly higher risk of suffering from anxiety disorders and depression. For anxiety disorders, firstborns have a 48 percent higher risk, and only children have a 42 percent higher probability. For depression, firstborns have a 35 percent higher likelihood of falling ill, and only children have a 38 percent higher risk.
Why Younger Siblings Are Less Likely to Become Mentally Ill
The reasons for this are not known. It is speculated that stress and responsibility may play a role. Parents often have higher expectations for the first child. Younger children often benefit from a more relaxed environment.
Parents are advised to create a stable and loving environment and to strengthen the resilience and self-confidence of their children. More on this in the video.
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