Fullerton C S, Ursano R J, Wetzler H P, Slusarcick A
Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland 20814-4799.
J Nerv Ment Dis. 1989 Sep;177(9):556-9. doi: 10.1097/00005053-198909000-00007.
Enduring aspects of childhood family structure that reflect emotional and interpersonal ties throughout development are assumed to affect the psychological well-being and social relatedness of the mature individual. This study examined one facet of family structure--birth order--and its effects on psychological well-being (PWB) and social networks in young adult high school graduates 17 to 23 years old (N = 2886; male = 76%, female = 24%). PWB was measured as an overall score with positive feelings and negative feelings subscores. First-born males scored greater on the negative feelings subscale of PWB, and male later borns had higher total psychological well-being. No differences were found for females. First borns and later borns did not differ in positive feelings or social relatedness. Further study is needed on the relationship of birth order and social relatedness in young adults, particularly females.
童年家庭结构中反映整个发展过程中情感和人际关系的持久方面，被认为会影响成熟个体的心理健康和社会关系。本研究考察了家庭结构的一个方面——出生顺序——及其对17至23岁年轻成年高中毕业生心理健康（PWB）和社交网络的影响（N = 2886；男性 = 76%，女性 = 24%）。PWB通过总体得分以及积极情绪和消极情绪子得分来衡量。头胎出生的男性在PWB的消极情绪子量表上得分更高，而晚出生的男性总体心理健康水平更高。女性未发现差异。头胎出生者和晚出生者在积极情绪或社会关系方面没有差异。需要进一步研究年轻人，特别是女性中出生顺序与社会关系之间的关系。
