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The theory of One Child Syndrome suggests that only children are more likely to have social and relationship problems, but research suggests this may be a myth. Only children may actually be more accomplished and successful, but some may struggle with forming close relationships.
One Child Syndrome refers to the theory that children who have no siblings are more likely to grow into maladjusted adults. The theory is believed to have its roots in the work of Granville Stanley Hall, a psychologist who presented his theory of one child syndrome in 1896. Hall believed that only children are more likely to have problems establishing relationships and functioning socially and who may even intentionally distance themselves from others out of a sense of superiority. Hall believed that only children were more likely to be eccentric, unpopular, and selfish loners who may be underachieving as well as children raised with siblings. Other experts believe, however, that only children are not socially disadvantaged, and while they may form closer relationships with their parents, this often results in higher levels of success in life, rather than higher levels of maladjustment.
Some psychologists and historians point out that society has long stigmatized parents of only children, in the belief that refusing to give a child siblings could be harmful to the child. Some studies seem to suggest that many parents who decide to have a second child are largely concerned about the well-being of their first child. Historically, the one-child stigma may have been inextricably linked to the realities of life in an agrarian culture, where large families were more likely to thrive and produce children who lived to adulthood. Some experts believe that Hall’s theory of one-child syndrome grows out of the cultural realities of his time, and others point out that his research methods may have been flawed.
Research conducted throughout the 20th century and continuing into the 21st century suggests that one child syndrome may be a myth. It is often believed that single children are more likely to grow into spoiled and selfish adults who have trouble forming friendships and close relationships. Many point out that only children are often in a more privileged position than children with siblings, as they may receive a greater portion of their parents’ time, attention, and resources. For these reasons, some experts say that unique children can, in fact, grow up to be more accomplished, capable, and reliable adults with higher self-esteem. Some single adult children may, however, have trouble forming close relationships and may maintain stronger bonds with their parents than children who have siblings.
There is some evidence to suggest that children may only have social interaction problems during their early school years. Some studies suggest, however, that by the time only children reach adolescence, they are generally on par with their peers who have siblings. As they mature further, they may be more likely to pursue higher education and can generally perform better than peers who have siblings.
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