Birth Order’s Impact on Psychological Hardiness and Capital in Indian Adults

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of birth order on psychological hardiness and psychological capital (PsyCap) among Indian adults, offering novel insights into how familial position shapes resilience, optimism, and self-efficacy in a collectivist cultural context. A cross-sectional design was utilized, involving 150 participants aged 18–65 years (M=32.4, SD=10.7), selected via convenience sampling from urban and semi-urban areas in India, limiting generalizability. Participants were grouped into first-borns (n=28), middle-borns (n=36), last-borns (n=32), and only children (n=54). Psychological hardiness was measured using the 30-item Hardiness Scale (Kobasa, 1982), assessing commitment, control, and challenge, while PsyCap was evaluated with the 24-item Psychological Capital Questionnaire (Luthans et al., 2007), covering hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism. Data were collected through online surveys and in-person assessments, ensuring informed consent and confidentiality. Quantitative analyses, including one-way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation, were performed using SPSS Version 25. Results show significant birth order effects. First-borns scored highest in hardiness (M=76.14, SD=2.82) and PsyCap (M=116.25, SD=3.95), reflecting robust coping mechanisms likely due to early responsibilities. Middle-borns scored lowest (hardiness: M=54.39, SD=2.93; PsyCap: M=89.50, SD=2.95), possibly due to sibling competition or reduced parental attention. Last-borns (hardiness: M=65.59, SD=2.54; PsyCap: M=101.81, SD=3.02) and only children (hardiness: M=60.48, SD=2.75; PsyCap: M=96.37, SD=3.60) showed moderate scores, indicating balanced psychological strengths. A moderate positive correlation between hardiness and PsyCap was observed overall (r=0.54, p<0.001, 95% CI [0.43, 0.64]) and across subgroups (r=0.50–0.57, p<0.01), suggesting these constructs mutually enhance resilience. ANOVA confirmed significant group differences (PsyCap: F (3,146) =356.27, p<0.001, η²=0.88; Hardiness: F (3,146) =346.63, p<0.001, η²=0.88), with birth order explaining 88% of variance. First-borns exhibited superior PsyCap, middle-borns lower scores, and only children showed moderate hardiness, suggesting sibling dynamics foster resilience. The study underscores birth order’s role in shaping psychological strengths in India’s collectivist context, with implications for psychological assessments and interventions. Birth order significantly influences resilience and personal development, particularly in non-Western settings.