Hi everyone

Thanks for taking the time to fill in my questionnaire for my dissertation. I have now analysied the results and I found that there is no significant difference between the depression scores of the eldest child, middle child, youngest child and only child.

However I found a difference in the means of the depression scores. The most likely to be depressed in the eldest child followed by the only child then the middle child and then the youngest. So, sorry if your the eldest cos it looks like your more likely to be depressed.

I have also found some key themes emerging. The eldest child seems to have a lot of responsibilites, this has made then more mature and independent. However this has lead to alot of pressure on them and they are more likely to look after younger siblings and have to set an example. This then leads to them having higher expectations to meet. These could possibly be the reason why the eldest is more likely to have the higher depression scores as there are more demands and pressures.

The middle child is essentially in the middle whereas they do not have responsibilities but also are not spoilt like the youngest and therefore they tend to be the mediator and get ignored. Therefore this again may explain their position in the depression score means.

The youngest child tends to be protected by older siblings and gets spoilt. However they have a pressure to live up to the expectations set by older children. However as they are protected and spoilt this may be why they are less likely to be depressed.

Finally the only child gains all the parental attention but often feels lonely, isolated and lacks social skills and again this may lead to depression reflected in the fact they are second likely to be depressed.

Concurring.

Thanks for that, it's good to see the results of these things.

If they're only child how can they be likely to be the second to be depressed, once they're born are they responsible for their mam or dad becoming depressed.

I mean second likely in regards to eldest child, middle child, youngest child and only child. Therefore out of them birth orders eldest are most likely to become depressed then the only child is second likely to become depressedc in general. So if you are an only child you are more likely to get depressed than someone who is a middle child or a youngest child.

God, that's depressing...

Danni I knew what you meant I was being flippant/pedantic or any other word you want to use, but hope you did well.

How depressed are you likely to get if your the 6th child of 8 though so neither oldest, youngest , middle, or only child ?

I still havent finished. Ive got alot to write up now!! Well generally I found that in large families it depended on your position as the middle child. Therefore as the 6th child out of 8 you are closer to the youngest and therefore you tend to take on the youngest traits. Therefore being spoilt, being protected by elders and not having as many responsibilities and pressures and consequently results in the depression scores like the youngest who are least likely to become depressed.

We Need Answers!

we need pictures!

Ok then-

Well as I'm the youngest .......could you all form a queue over there before spoiling me.

Would you like to participate in our ABC game, seen as we helped you out

You're only jealous because no-one would help you with your dissertation! Hang on a minute.....

"I have also found some key themes emerging. The eldest child seems to have a lot of responsibilites, this has made then more mature and independent. However this has lead to alot of pressure on them and they are more likely to look after younger siblings and have to set an example"
Well as the youngest of 3, I am about to blow your theory apart, me and Mr Tony Parry are brothers hin being slightly older than me but, and this is my point, our eldest brother happens to be the landlord of the Park hotel