First-born child more likely to be successful: Study

A French study linking ranking in the family pecking order with personality has suggested that first-born children are more likely to achieve greatness,but are more selfish than other youngsters.

The study,published in the New Scientist and involving 510 students playing a game designed to establish co-operation and trust,suggested first borns are more selfish than other youngsters… but are more likely to achieve greatness.

Researchers at the Institute of Evolutionary Sciences in Montpelier,France,claimed that on average eldest siblings gave 25 per cent less money that their siblings,suggesting they were 25 per cent less trusting.

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During the experimental game,participants were given 30 monetary units to be distributed in the knowledge the amount will be trebled. The receiver can then return as much money back to the original giver as they want.

The more money the giver distributes the more trusting they are deemed to be and the more the receiver tended to return.

The French researchers suggested that something common to firstborns’ upbringing makes it harder for them to trust others.

“Shifting from only to first-born status following the birth of a younger sibling seems to lead the eldest child to reduce his or her co-operative behaviour,” researchers said.

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It is thought that the arrival of a younger brother or sister has long-lasting impact on the eldest child’s personality,leaving them wary of others and their motives.

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