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Abstract

Adler's theory of birth order was investigated as a preliminary step to using this theory as a model to integrate the vast amount of empirical research on birth order. The present study employed two different methods of analyzing the effect of ordinal birth position on personality in a college population. Adler's hypothesis that the birth of a sibling has a more profound effect on personality if it occurs within a range of 3 yr. of his own birth was not supported in the present study. The consideration of ordinal birth position irrespective of age difference appears to be a more productive approach in this type of research. Regardless of the approach utilized, Adler's theory of the effect of ordinal position on personality variables was not supported.

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Adler's Theory of Birth Order

Abstract

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References