Is the theory that 'an only child is selfish and selfish' true?

by Luna Lovegood

An individual child is compared with something with a brother's something, "There is a tendency that it is thought that" Because one child is spoiled and spontaneously grown, it does not separate things from people ". Corinna Hartmann, a German journalist majoring in psychology, explains why prejudice widespread, as the tendency for an only child to grow selfish is unclear.

Is Only-Child Syndrome Real? - Scientific American
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-only-child-syndrome-real/

EW Bohannon, a pedagographer at Clark University in the 19th century, Massachusetts, published a research result of "A Study of Peculiar and Exceptional Children" (unique and exceptional children's study). In the research, research results based on the data gathered by the questionnaire method are written, and among them the contents that "an individual child has been spoiled excessively" was included, too.

Mr. Bohannon's colleague also acknowledged this research result, so it gave rise to the theory that "the only child is spoiled and selfish" expands. In addition, at that time the number of children born in middle-class households declined, and the middle class's only child increased, the privileged class's "fear of lower classes" pushed the theory out, Hartmann said I am talking.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the theory that the only child raised in an environment without brothers becomes irritable is rising. What was supposed to be the basis of this theory was that "Because there is no other brothers, parents turn all their worries and fears to the only child, so the child becomes weak when the nerve becomes a nervous".

by esudroff

However, according to the data collected in the 21st century, Mr. Hartmann said the uncertainty of the world against an only child is nonsense and that there is no serious problem in being an only child. Mr. Toni Falbo , a psychologist at the University of Texas, is opposed to the opinion that he is an only child, "the existence of brothers and sisters is necessary for proper growth".

Mr. Falbo who investigated more than 200 studies targeting only one child concluded in 1986 that "the presence or absence of a brother does not affect the character of a child." Mr. Fablo found out that the only difference between the one child and the brothers and sisters is that "the only child feels a stronger connection with the parent than a child with brothers and sisters".

In 2018, researchers at Frankfurt University researchers Andreas Klocke and Sven Stadtmüller pursued about 10,000 German children and found that Mr. Fablo's idea was supported. Based on the frequency with which children declare an important event to their parents, we measured "connection between parents and children" and found that the relationship between "parents and children" was strongly related to "parents are stronger in connection with their parents than children with brothers and sisters" discovered.

by Daria Shevtsova

As a result of the research, 25% of the only children understood that "relationship with parents is positive." On the other hand, it was 24% that the eldest son / eldest daughter was 20%, the middle child was 18%, the youngest child was 18% who answered that children with brothers and sisters have a positive relationship with their parents.

While it has strong connection with parents, it is also clear that an only child is likely to think that "brothers and sisters were good". According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of West Carolina and the University of Tennessee in 2001, the proportion of one child's children answering "It is a pity that there were no friends who can trust like brothers" when looking back on childhood It seems that it was high.

While it is said that there were cases where "Imaginary Friends" were created in some cases, it is known that making fictitious friends and playing improves sociality and communication skills and enhances problem solving abilities.

The presence of "imaginary friends" created by children proved to be effective for enhancing problem solving ability - GIGAZINE

Mr. Hartmann insists that the idea that one child is selfish and selfish is based on prejudice, but in a study conducted by Chinese researchers, each child is more selfish than one with brothers and sisters The result has come out.

One child is more selfish than one who has brothers and sisters, but it is proved by brain scan that it is creative - GIGAZINE

According to a study carried out by Southwest University, although an only child was intolerant compared to those who had brothers and sisters, "Problem solving requiring creativity such as" Please think about how to utilize this drum can for usual purposes " The ability was high. Researchers believe that because of the absence of brothers of the same age, the reason why each child has a flexible idea was that it was necessary to solve problems of various early childhood on their own.

Still Hartmann says, "It is doubtful whether these results are involved in being an only child." Hartmann argues that children are not confined to the environment only in the home, they engage with children of the same age in kindergartens, nursery schools and elementary schools and refine interpersonal skills. Parents said that it is important for children to positively give opportunities to hone social skills and to cultivate in a loving environment.

by Bess-Hamiti