The myth that only children are more likely to display narcissistic traits than their peers who have siblings has recently been debunked. Data analysis revealed that only children show no increase in grandiosity or rivalrous behavior compared to children of the same age but with siblings. Apparently, the stereotype that only children are more narcissistic remains prevalent but is inaccurate according to this research.
Truth About “Narcissistic” Only Children
There is a stereotype about only children and how they are more selfish or tend to be more self-centered than children with brothers and sisters. The stereotype may be used as an argument for having more than one child, but German researchers say that the claim lacks evidence. There is no evidence that only children are more narcissistic than children with siblings. Michael Dufner, Franz F. Oehme and Stefan C. Schmukle from the University of Leipzig along with Mitja D. Back from the University of Münster recently published their findings in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science.
Firstly, social and personality psychologists have surveyed the belief of people who have siblings tend to be more narcissistic than people with siblings.
Furthermore, Dufner and colleagues focused on two aspects of narcissism. They are people with feelings of more grandiosity about themselves and people that are more rivalrous.
In conclusion, the feedback from over 500 candidates showed that both only children and those with siblings hold a view that only children tend to be more narcissistic in both those aspects than those with siblings.
Only Child Not That Different To Children With Siblings
Data from a larger panel study, involving 1800 people, resulted in scores of narcissistic traits showed that only children were not that different from children with siblings. The results held true even when taking into consideration possible socioeconomic factors.
“Some of the past research has reported no difference between only children and non-only children in terms of narcissism and some of the past research has reported such a difference,” says Dufner. Due to the nature of their sampling and research methods, “we can now say with rather high confidence that only children are not substantially more narcissistic than people with siblings.”
Should This Affect Birthrates?
Researchers concluded narcissism to be a socially maladaptive personality trait. To assume that only children as being more narcissistic can put them at a disadvantage from their peers.
“When sociologists, economists, or policymakers discuss the downsides of low fertility rates, they should let go of the idea that growing up without siblings leads to increased narcissism,” write Dufner and colleagues.
“There might of course be economic or societal costs associated with low birth rates, but increasing narcissism in the upcoming generation does not seem to be a factor that is relevant to the discussion,” concluded Dufner.
