An investigation examining the influence of birth order and received parenting style on the personality of individuals

Pepper, Fern (2016) An investigation examining the influence of birth order and received parenting style on the personality of individuals. Manchester Metropolitan University. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate whether birth order (first-born, later- born and only-child) or parenting style (Authoritative, Authoritarian, Permissive and Neglectful) had an influence on the ‘Big Five’ personality traits (Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism, Conscientiousness and Openness). An opportunity sample of seventy-two participants aged between eighteen and sixty-five was used and data were collected using an online questionnaire. Data concerning birth order and personality were analysed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for each of the ‘Big Five’ personality traits and indicated no significant effect of birth order on any of the personality domains. Regarding the effect of parenting style on personality, data were analysed using a 2x2 independent ANOVA for each of the ‘Big Five’ personality traits and indicated that parenting style does have an effect on two of the ‘Big Five’ personality traits, Openness and Neuroticism. However, findings of the present study showed some inconsistencies with existing literature. The reasons why this may have occurred, together with possible implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.