Abstract
The number of single-child families continues to increase yearly due to financial burdens, social contexts, and even governmental restraints (Wong, 2005). While having only one child might be easier financially (Griffin, 2002), what are the psychological costs of single-child families in relation to an only-child? This literature review explains how despite only-children typically being more creative and intellectual, many problems surface due to having no siblings. It is generally found that only-children lack social and emotional ability because of not having siblings with which to interact. Only-children also tend to experience increased parental pressure. These problems typically last throughout an only-child’s lifespan. Ultimately, current research seems to indicate that that the disadvantages of single-child families overwhelm the advantages.
Recommended Citation
(2011)
"The Rise of Single-Child Families: Psychologically Harming the Child?,"
Intuition: The BYU Undergraduate Journal of Psychology: Vol. 7:
Iss.
1, Article 3.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/intuition/vol7/iss1/3