Does birth order shape your personality?
A personality psychologist breaks down the myths
We鈥檝e spotted some of you on your socials talking about eldest sibling vs youngest sibling behaviour. It got us wondering if when you鈥檙e born can affect personality, relationships and outlook on life. We all know the stereotypes; the eldest child is more conscientious and responsible. The middle child gets overlooked and craves attention. The youngest is indulged and a risk-taker. Personality psychologist Julia Rohrer, from Leipzig University in Germany breaks down what鈥檚 science and what鈥檚 fiction.
We hear the experiences from three of our 麻豆社 pals; Faith Oshoko in Nigeria, Santiago Vanegas Maldonado from Colombia and Jacob Evans in the UK.
Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
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Presenter: Iqra Farooq (eldest)
Producers: Julia Ross Roy (only child), Benita Barden (middle) and Mora Morrison (youngest)
Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal (youngest)
Editor: Verity Wilde (eldest)
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- Tue 17 Feb 2026 18:50GMT麻豆社 World Service News Internet
- Wed 18 Feb 2026 03:50GMT麻豆社 World Service East and Southern Africa, South Asia, West and Central Africa & East Asia only
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