The plight of big sisters
New Studies Confirm: Big Sisters Really Do Have It The Worst
Eldest-daughter syndrome is backed by science. It's great news for parents and younger siblings.
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The Lede
The premise of eldest-daughter syndrome relies on two core assumptions: that firstborn or only daughters are expected to be models of achievement and good behavior for their younger siblings and that daughters are asked to take on more of the family's housework than their brothers. Research is inconclusive (at best) as to whether birth order meaningfully predicts personality. But there may be more of a science to eldest daughters than meets the eye.
Key Details
- A 15-year longitudinal study, published earlier this year, found a link between mothers who reported psychological distress during pregnancy and accelerated adrenal puberty in firstborn daughters.
- A child who has undergone adrenal puberty is better equipped to take on more adultlike responsibilities such as babysitting, cooking, and running household errands.
- In low- and middle-income countries, having an older sister may even give younger siblings a leg up in their future success and well-being.
