Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 75%

Why may the eldest child experience a negative life outcome, according to Adler's theory?

Rationale

Firstborn children develop problematic personalities because they may experience the loss of attention and love after the birth of siblings.

Alfred Adler's theory posits that the eldest child may face challenges due to the shift in parental focus and affection towards younger siblings, leading to feelings of neglect or displacement.

B (Firstborn children develop dependent personalities because they are pampered and are not incentivized to develop independence.) YOUR ANSWER

Adler suggests that firstborns often assume responsibilities and may even become overly independent as they strive to excel and meet parental expectations, contrary to developing dependent personalities.

C (The oldest child develops a rebellious or revolutionary personality to keep pace with younger siblings.) YOUR ANSWER

Adler's theory does not propose that the eldest child adopts a rebellious nature in response to the presence of younger siblings. Instead, the theory highlights potential issues related to changes in parental attention and dynamics within the family.

D (The oldest child develops a selfless personality because they share the love and attention of their parents with their siblings.) YOUR ANSWER

While firstborn children may indeed display selfless traits, Adler's theory focuses on the potential negative outcomes associated with changes in parental attention post-sibling arrival rather than solely emphasizing selflessness as the primary personality development.

Conclusion

According to Adler's theory, the eldest child may experience problematic personalities as a result of perceived loss of parental attention and affection following the birth of younger siblings. This shift in dynamics can lead to challenges in the eldest child's development, potentially impacting their personality and behavior in response to changing family dynamics.

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