Effect of Birth Order and Parenting Style on Personality among Adolescents

Abstract

The present research investigates the effect of birth order and parenting style on personality among adolescents. Adolescence is a crucial developmental phase during which personality traits become more stable and visible. Family-related factors such as birth order and parenting style play a significant role in shaping adolescent personality. The study was conducted on a sample of 120 adolescents selected from colleges and universities of Gorakhpur. Parenting Style Scale and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) were used for data collection. Statistical techniques such as mean, standard deviation, t-test, and one-way ANOVA were employed for analysis. The findings revealed that parenting style did not significantly differ between male and female adolescents, whereas significant differences were found between urban and rural adolescents. Personality differences based on gender and residence were limited. Birth order did not show a significant overall effect on personality, though specific differences were observed between first-born and last-born adolescents.