THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL:

Understanding the Competitive

Behavior of Middle Children in Young
Adulthood Within the Context of
Family Relations
Espinosa, Roderick B. Jr.
Lubuguin, Eunice Anne K. BS PSYCHOLOGY 2C
INTRODUCTION
Alfred Adler's birth order theory posits that the position among siblings influences
personality development. Middleborns, according to Adler, often exhibit traits such as
competitiveness, jealousy, people-pleasing, and attention-seeking behaviors, stemming from
their perceived role as peacemakers in the family. Studies show that middle children may
feel neglected or unfairly treated, leading to the notion of "middle child syndrome," although
not recognized as an official condition by the APA. The Lotus Medical Centre (2022)
suggests that middle children may develop a sense of competition with their siblings,
especially if they perceive themselves as "number two" in the family hierarchy. Adler also
emphasized the importance of psychological birth order, highlighting how individuals' self-
perceptions within the family structure significantly influence their personality and behavior.
OBJECTIVES
This qualitative study aims to explore the experiences and perceptions of middle children in
young adulthood regarding their competitiveness within the family context. By delving into
this subject, the research seeks to fill a significant gap in the literature on birth order,
particularly concerning middle children and their competitive behavior. The study intends to
provide a deeper understanding of how familial dynamics impact the development of
competitiveness in middle children and how these experiences may challenge existing
societal norms about middle children's attributes. Ultimately, the research aims to contribute
to the existing body of knowledge on birth order and shed light on the complexities of
middle children's psychological development.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
What are the experiences of middle children with competitive behavior towards their relationship with their
family?

(1) How do middle children define and perceive competitiveness within the context of their family?
(2) What familial factors contribute to middle children experiencing feelings of competitiveness?
(3) In what ways do middle children express their competitive behavior within their family dynamic?
(4) How do middle children's experiences of competitiveness impact their relationships in the family?
(5) How do middle children emotionally respond when they engage in competitive behavior within their
family?
(6) What coping strategies do middle children employ to manage their feelings of competitiveness within
their family relationships?
MAPS AND ANALYSIS
MAPS AND ANALYSIS
MAPS AND ANALYSIS
MAPS AND ANALYSIS
MAPS AND ANALYSIS
MAPS AND ANALYSIS
CONCLUSION
• Key themes emerged from participant responses, revealing varied perceptions
of competitiveness.

• Familial factors contributing to middle children's competitive behavior include

parental expectations, standards, treatments, and sibling relationships.

• Participants express competitiveness through academic pursuits, family

interactions, and decision-making, demonstrating multifaceted expressions
influenced by the need for recognition and familial dynamics.
CONCLUSION
• Competitive behavior impacts relationships within the family, leading to
emotional withdrawal from parents and hindering relational growth.

• Participants exhibit two types of emotional responses to competitive behavior:

Circumstantial Emotional Response and Future-Oriented Response, reflecting
varying emotional reactions and a consistent drive to excel.

• Participants' narratives highlight self-improvement journeys reinforced by

biblical teachings, mentorship, open communication within families, and
support networks outside the family.
RECOMMENDATION
• Researchers recommend that participants foster their relationships with parents
and siblings, emphasizing open communication to prevent conflicts and
resentment.

• Middle children are encouraged to support others experiencing similar

situations, promoting healthy interpersonal relationships and solidarity.

• Parents are advised to be mindful of setting excessive expectations, standards,

and differential treatment among siblings, which can impact their children's
personality development negatively.
RECOMMENDATION
• Siblings must look beyond their expectations for their other siblings and more
towards seeing them as part of their own, instead of seeing them as a source of
competition.

• Future researchers are urged to design studies that capture the complexity of
middle child competitiveness, considering maximal variation sampling to
explore diverse perspectives beyond young adulthood.