4 Potential Signs You Have ‘Middle Child Syndrome’

In the 1960s, Dr. Alfred Adler first proposed his birth order theory, the idea that the order someone is born in will shape both their development and personality. While the research on birth order theory is mixed on how much it truly impacts someone, it is definitely interesting to think about.

When it comes to middle children, they are usually thought to be the peacemakers of the family, as well as a number of other traits. As such, here are four signs you may have “middle child syndrome.”

1. You’re known to be competitive.

Because it’s believed that middle children can sometimes go overlooked in their families, they may develop a major competitive streak as a result so they can stand out and make themselves known.

2. You struggle with people pleasing.

Middle children are often the peacemakers of their families, but at times this pursuit of harmony can border on people pleasing. As a result, middle children may be a little too easy going and struggle to stand their ground and speak their truths.

3. You’re incredibly independent.

Middle children can be deeply independent. Middle children walk to the beat of their own drums because they maybe never felt true belonging in their families. As such, they began to carve their own paths in order to create a stronger sense of self and identity.

4. You have low self-esteem.

In an interview with Mind Body Green, Dr. Paulette Sherman explained that middle children are likely to have an inferiority complex because they sometimes don’t get the attention they need, which can have a direct impact on their self-esteem as well as their confidence.