CHAPTER I

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

A. Introduction

Birth order is defined as a person's rank by age among his or her siblings. The

birth order of a child is the predictor of his future characteristics and peculiarities (Adler,

1998). Due to these beliefs, people considered to form different connotations towards

their children with birth order as their basis. Just like for instance, the first born is

believed to be the most responsible while the last offspring will be somewhat spoiled in

nature. It then serves to be the tentative basis of some people in facing different people

from different walks of life. But then, due to these connotations, childrens psychological

thinking might be affected just like what Steward (1992) stated, The connotations are

deeply imprinted into the childs personality due to the following comments that might

be either positive or negative.

There is a problem existing towards the birth order in the family especially for the

first born and the last born. Those problems can hardly affect the childs social

behaviours along with his psychological development. In a family, there is a probability

to have the so-called Favouritism which can actually cause problems between

children. Certain issues concerning this usually involve the first and the last born of the

family. Due to some observations even in other countries, sibling rivalries exist most of

the time with families in a huge scale.

Firstborn children were always expected to be the most responsible, the

smartest, the most talented and other expectations. They were sometimes subjected to

too much pressure due to high expectations from their parents or even from relatives.

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Those people surrounding them always look for his/her actions if they are appropriate or

done nicely. Firstborn were led then to perfection that may lead them to have some

changes not only with their academic performances maybe but even to their

psychological formation which affects their social behaviours.

Even in the oldest civilizations, the first born has all the expectations in the family.

Since the first born always have the responsibilities, the parents become stricter this

time so the first born doesnt have a choice but to strive harder. This problem exists

even nowadays especially for the students. They are always expected to have high

grades and high achievements. Due to this, there might be psychological effects

towards his/her social behaviours.

First born were expected to be more organized and responsible thats why

parents ten to be anxious to them, giving them a lot more of responsibilities. They are

most likely to succeed, to be conscientious, get high grades at school, and achieve a

higher salary and more conservative job in adulthood. But then, they have innate fear of

being dethroned, perfectionists, and overachievers, feel as though they are never good

enough; tend to be selfish with possessions and attention.

(http://www.birthorderandpersonality.com/id15.html)

On the other hand, last born can be rebellious, but also are pleasant, agreeable and

easy going. This is due to that their parents tend to be more relaxed and less strict to

them. Last born were also expected to be risk takers, idealists, and hard working but

they can also be immature, attention seeking, secretive and sensitive because they

were spoiled somewhat in nature. (http://www.birthorderandpersonality.com/id3.html)

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This research is conducted to know the social adjustments of the first and last child

towards his/her social behaviour in order to know if being the first born implies some

changes to his/her behaviour. This research would like to study if there are differences

between first and last childs interaction to others and for those who arent.

B. Theoretical Framework

Many researchers have studied how birth order affects the personality of a

certain individual and how it affects their social behavior, each rank, the oldest or first

born and the last born generally have similar characteristics that are common in

different people of the same birth order. It is logical to conclude that these similar

characteristics will affect the other aspects of life, name interpersonal relationship or the

social (behavior) of one individual. According to Alfred Adler (1998), The birth order of a

child is the predictor of his future characteristics and peculiarities

In this case, first born children have traits like people pleasers, nurturers,

caregivers and team players in contrast with the last born children who tends to shy

away and be laid back since the first born children are said to be more ambitious and for

them to success is imperative. Last born children tend to be the opposite to their older

sibling and thus become attention seekers, competitive and independent thus these

characteristics predict the way each treat others.(Adler 1929/1969, 1931)

Birth order may give a clearer picture as to where the childrens behavior comes

from. First born children tend to choose friends who are also first born because they

have similarities in behavior and thinking and vice versa, last born tend to befriend

children who are also last born as with the evidence presented in the case in 2009

against birth order effects in which an evidence was published that birth order

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influences whom a person choose as friends and spouses. As Adler stated that birth

order affects the social experiences that resulted into different attitudes. (A History of

Modern Psychology, 2008)

C. Conceptual Framework

Birth Order in the family affects the behavior of a child in such a way they are

affected with the norms that are usual in them. The first born children are always

expected to act and become leaders and models of their younger siblings thus, they are

pressured to behave perfectly and should not commit mistake or else they will be

branded as irresponsible and no good daughters or sons. First born children also have

the tendency to be aggressive because they were dethroned by the younger siblings

of the love and attention of the parents On the other hand, the last born children are

often considered the baby of the family, and live up to this role. They are somewhat

dependent to their parents because they are spoiled. At times it is difficult for the last

born child to find his/her place in the family, as the first and middle child have already

left huge footprints to follow in, and carved their own niche into the family.

D. SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT VS. SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT

OF FIRST BORN OF LAST BORN

Figure 1. The paradigm of the Differences of the Social Adjustments of the First Born

and the Last born.

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 Figure 1 shows that there are differences in terms of being a first born and a last

born child. The first rectangle corresponds to the social adjustments of the first born

respondents; it represents the behavior that a first born possesses. The versus sign

represents that the two variables (social adjustment of the first born and the last born)

are against each other, meaning, they contradict each others behaviors . The second

rectangle corresponds to the social adjustments of the last born, the way how they

interact with the people surrounding them. They may have behaviours or attitudes that

differ or opposing the one that they acquire.

Therefore, birth order, specifically first born and last born, really affects their

social attitude in relation to their social adjustments. Other factors also affect their social

adjustment like pressure that acts like a stimulus for a change in behavior and

personality. The study of the Comparison of the Social Adjustments of the First and Last

born of the high school students of Rogationist College will prove that there are

differences in the social adjustments of the first born children and last born children.

D. Statement of the Problem

This research aims to find the social adjustment of the first born and last born of

the selected high school students of Rogationist College for the year 2010 2011.

Specifically, the researchers needed to answer the following:

1. What is the profile of the respondents in their birth order?

2. What is the social adjustment of the first born high school students towards:
2.1 their parents/guardians
2.2 their siblings
2.3 their friends/classmates

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 2.4 people in authority
2.5 Other people
3. What is the social adjustment of the last born high school students towards:
3.1 their parents/guardians
3.2 their siblings
3.3 their friends/classmates
3.4 people in authority
3.5 Other people
4. Is there a significant difference of the social adjustment of the first born and the

last born?

E. Statement of Hypothesis

The researchers decided to use a null hypothesis that is being falsified by a

specified statistical test. In this study, there are no significant differences between the

social adjustments of the first born and the social adjustments of the last born.

F. Scope and Delimination

The objective of the study is to know the differences of the behavior, attitude and

the way how the first born and last born interact with the people surrounding them

among high school students of Rogationist College. This study will explain how birth

order affects the social adjustments of the respondents. It will also cite the attitudes of a

first born child which also affects their interaction with their parents, their siblings, their

peers, the people in authority and the other people around them. The study focuses on

the current high school students of the present school year 2010 2011.

The study excludes the effects to the academic performance of being a first born

and last born; also excludes the effects to their daily activities. It will not cover the

emotional and intellectual effects of being a first born and last born to the students. The

6
respondents personal information like the gender, family status, kind of parents and

position in the current school will not be considered because the research only intend to

find out how the social adjustments of a first born child and the last born child differ.

G. Significance of the Study

The researchers intend to enrich and upgrade the mass about the effect in the

behavior of the first born child in the environment he participates into. Moreover, this

study will be beneficial to the following:

Students. They can gain some understanding on some of their peers with regards to

the behavior of each individual. Some children have this confusion about the behavior of

their classmates, if they seemed that they are different in their points of view, they tend

to shy away or avoid others. Nonetheless, this research will give insights to each

student so that they can adjust on how they mingle with each other and thus can

minimize conflicts.

Guidance Counselors. They may have a deeper understanding on how to guide each

student. They will be equipped with methods on how to deal with first born and last

born. They will also have a bench mark on developing effective methods in making first

born and last born be of the same mind with each other.

Teachers. They may gain valuable insights on how to deal with first born and last born

children and to develop activities that would make first born and last born agree and

understand each other. Their social adjustments would lead them to become socially

upright in their community.

Parents. Parents can have a deeper understanding in dealing with their children and

would have a great impact on how they treat each childs individuality. First born and

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last born children in a family can have a sibling rivalry because they see the difference

on their parents treat them. Parents may favor the older one because of the certain

qualities their children possess and give at least attention to the last born and because

of this social adjustment of each order may be affected.

Future Researchers. They can gain insights and judge on the applicability of these

effects and the researchers findings and conclusions. From this study, future

researchers can have reference on finding the social adjustments and the difference of

each first born and last born child.

H. Definition of Terms

In this part, some terms that were used in the research paper will be defined

based on their true meaning or how the certain word was used in the context.

Attitude (n.) This is how the way a person acts or a general feeling of one.

Adjustment (v.) It is a manner to adapt to a new environment or condition; to make

slight changes in something to make it fit or function better.

Average Social Adjustment. This term could also mean sometimes in the

interpretation of scores.

Behavior (n.) It is the manner in which one behaves; the actions or reactions of a

person in response to external or internal stimuli.

- In sociology, behavior is considered as having no meaning, being not directed

at other people and thus is the most basic human action

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Emotional. This term refers to the feeling of a person associated with mood,

disposition, and personality; governed by emotion

Favouritism. This term refers to an inclination to favor a person or unfair treatment.

High Social Adjustment This term could also often sometimes in the interpretation of

scores.

Low Social Adjustment - This term could also mean seldom in the interpretation of

scores.

Psychological (adj.) This means influencing or intended to influence the mind or

emotions.

Peculiarities (n.) It is the quality or state of being unusual or strange; a characteristic

that belongs distinctively to a particular person, place, or thing

Personality (n.) It is the totality of somebody's attitudes, interests, behavioral

patterns, emotional responses, social roles, and other individual traits that endure over

long periods of time

Rivalry. This term refers the state or condition of competition among people with

different point of view

Social Adjustment This phrase refers to how an individual cope or adjusts to his/her

environment, the people around him/her. This also refers to the attitude of a person to

the people surrounding him/her.

Very High Social Adjustment - This term could also mean always in the interpretation

of scores.

Very Low Social Adjustment - This term could also mean never in the interpretation of

scores.

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 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

A. Conceptual Literature

Many parents are continually amazed at their childrens different personalities.

Their personalities were diverted into different aspects and molded into different ways.

Now, there is this so-called Family constellation which can be also referred to as Birth

Order whom serves to be a basis of ones behaviour. Birth Order is a help also due to it

helps us to foresee or give us an idea towards ones background. It does give people an

idea of what kind of personality have they developed by just identifying ones position in

the hierarchy of his/her family. The birth order of a child is the predictor of his future

characteristics and peculiarities (Adler, 1998).

Many people probably judge a humans personality through knowing the

background of the family but that isnt that logical after all. Human behaviour is

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determined largely by social forces, not biological instincts. (Adler, 1870-1937)

Humans personality and social behaviours generally depends upon the different forces

that generally attracts ones attitude to be influenced or probably, their behaviours does

depend on ones approach towards him/ her.

In the Birth Order, people usually have a great outlook towards the first-born due

to the reason that it serves to be a basis of what will their offspring be. Birth order is a

better predictor of social attitudes than gender (Sulloway, 1996). The first born usually

has the greatest amounts of expectations from different people. And so, towards this

kind of approach, the first-born may then become insecure and hostile, authoritarian

and conservative, manifesting a strong interest in maintaining order (Adler, 1870-1937).

First-born children then develops some kind of a psychological aspect of thinking that

he/she should always be above satisfactory level in order to please everybody. He/she

then gains pressure that may have a great effect towards his/her social behaviours

towards others.

Firstborn children are likely to have intensified feelings of power and superiority,

high anxiety, and overprotective tendencies (Adler, 1931). Due to being the firstborn,

he/she occupy a unique position of having the mentality of getting all the attention but in

some time, he/she gets to be dethroned when a younger sibling is born. Due to

experiencing a traumatic dethronement, they then continue their previous style of life

that they have. If they have already developed a self-centred style of life, they would

likely feel hostility and resentment towards the newborn child. Only children may lack

well-developed feelings of cooperation and social interest, possess a parasitic attitude,

and expect other people to pamper and protect them (Adler, 1931).

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 Even if adjustments were provided, it is still harder for a first born child to have

these adjustments from his/her developed life style towards a new one rather than the

adjustments that can be made by the second offspring. A researcher did believe the

same that the second born child is better adjusted than the first born or the youngest

child (Adler). For a firstborn child who had a life style of being a self centered man is

more hardly to adjust towards the world outside, wherein they are not considered to be

the centre of attention.

On the other hand, the youngest children tend to be charming, people-oriented,

tenacious, affectionate and attention-seeking. They also tend to just do things

without thinking about the consequences of their actions. This is a trait that would come

into play during relationships as well (Leman 2000).

They always have someone ahead of them to compete against. The last born

can be classified as rebellious, agreeable and easy going due to that their parents are

more relaxed and less strict with them (http://www.essortment.com

/all/effectsbirthor_omv.htm). Unlike first born, they dont go usually for the achievements

in school due to that they always feel like a baby or somewhat. But in other

circumstances, they can also be creative, practical and competitive.

Due to the following changes, different things happen to change towards a first

born and the last born. These changes probably includes his/her social behaviour

development even his/her emotional stability but still, there is a difference between the

two. Skinner (1974) did recognize that the subjective existence of emotions of course,

but he insisted that behaviour must not be attributed to them. He accounted for

emotions by the contingencies of survival and the contingencies of reinforcement.

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B. Research Literature

According to Murphy (2005), the first born child is usually the child with the most

attention directed at him/her. This common event is part of the reason this particular

child turns out the way he/she does like interacting with people. There are two typical

types of first born children, compliant (People Pleasers, Caregivers, Reliable,

Conscientious) and aggressive (Movers and shakers, Natural leaders, Perfectionists).

These traits may affect their social behavior especially when they are in a different

environment. There are many speculations that birth order particularly first born child

has diverse and complex effects on personality and behavior. Some psychologists

believe that birth order is a significant factor in the development of personality. The last

born child has many distinctive characteristics. Being born last would mean the child is

very co-dependent upon other siblings as well as parents. They typically are given

everything they want because they were the last to be born. They expect a lot of

attention and affection from family members. Especially when in a group of peers or

siblings, they will draw much attention directly to themselves. When the last born has a

problem, they are the type to need a person to drop everything and go to them to help

them, or to just listen.

In the study done by Malit et al in 2008 and Carungcong et al in 2005, they

concluded that first born students were the best leaders, has the best and positive

attitude, and most responsible and less sociable to the other people but believe that

13
having good relationship is important while the last born students were the most

sociable, closest relationship with the sibling and moderately responsible.

The results of research regarding the associations between birth order and

personality are varied. In general, meta-analyses of systematic studies indicate that

firstborn children are achievement-oriented, ambitious, conforming, anxious, assertive,

and less empathetic than laterborns. Frank J. Sulloway (2001), using a Darwinian

perspective, argued that children assume different personalities or niches within the

family to gain favor with parents. Firstborns do this by identifying with their parents and

by conforming to parental standards. Because firstborn children are older, wiser, and

more powerful, laterborns become diverse in their interests and they become more

open to experience. Sulloway's treatise stemmed from his study of 3,890 career

histories of scientists. Even though many firstborns were scientists (e.g., Isaac Newton,

Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud), supporters of the scientists were predominantly

laterborns. Because of their attitudes as firstborns, they tend to be less sociable like

being perfectionists. Firstborns tend to reject new theories, especially when the

innovation upsets the status quo, while laterborns are more receptive to revolutionary

thinking. As an example, Sulloway found that for every 12.8 first-borns who supported

evolution, there were 124 laterborns who welcomed the theory. This personality trait,

openness to experience, and the concomitant defensiveness and conservatism of

firstborns holds true even when size of the family, socioeconomic status and culture are

taken into account.

Though there are studies who concluded that birth order really affects the

behaviour and personality, there are still researchers who found them not much related.

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Like Ernst and Angst (1983), when they reviewed all of the research published between

1946 and 1980, they said that there are only minimal effects done by birth order. They

also did their own study on a representative sample of 6,315 young men from

Switzerland in the year 1983. They found no substantial effects of birth order and

concluded that birth order research was a "waste of time." More recent research

analyzed data from a national sample of 9,664 subjects on the Big Five personality

traits of extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to

experience. Contrary to Sulloway's predictions, they found no significant correlation

between birth order and self-reported personality. There was, however, some tendency

for people to perceive birth order effects when they were aware of the birth order of an

individual. While in the research done by Judith Rich Harris, she suggested that birth

order effects may exist within the context of the family of origin, but that they are not

enduring aspects of personality. When people are with their parents and siblings,

firstborns behave differently than laterborns, even during adulthood. However, most

people don't spend their adult lives in their childhood home. Harris provides evidence

that the patterns of behaviour acquired in the childhood home don't affect the way

people behave outside the home, even during childhood. Harris concludes that birth

order effects keep turning up because people keep looking for them, and keep

analyzing and reanalyzing their data until they find them.

Some researchers have concluded that the effect of birth order on children's

behaviour is overrated. Many studies have not systematically controlled for inter-

correlated family variables such as age spacing between siblings, size of family, and

ages of siblings. Thus, certain child behaviours associated with birth order may actually

15
be due to family size. Beyond birth order, other predictors such as gender,

temperament, parenting styles, and socioeconomic status influence children's

development and must be considered.

C. Justification of the Study

Adlers Theory in Birth Order explains the effects of the place of each child in the

family and how it affects their personality and their way of treating other individuals. This

study is similar to what Adler would like to prove and given as such with the first born

and last born who have distinct characteristics and would have an impact on how these

children would behave if mixed with children who have different birth order than theirs.
The study of the Differences of the Social Adjustments of the First Born and Last

born child among the High School Students of Rogationist College will prove that birth

order does affect every individual socially and influences their social behavior, thinking

and paves the way on how they will adjust with others in the environment.

CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

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A. Research Method
This study aims to determine the differences of the social adjustments of the first

born and last born of the selected high school students of Rogationist College. The

researchers will use the Descriptive Method which is a fact- finding with adequate and

accurate interpretation of the finding. It describes with emphasis what actually exist

such as current conditions, practices, situation or any phenomena. (Calderon,1993).

Specifically, the researchers will use Survey Method wherein it involves determining

information about variables rather than individuals. It is employed to measure the

existing phenomena without inquiring into why it exists.

The dependent variable is the students social adjustment and the independent

variables are being a first born and last born child.

B. Sampling Technique
This study will use Random sampling and Purposive sampling as for getting the

respondents. For purposive sampling, choosing of respondents is in accordance to the

purpose of the researchers which is about the first born child and last born child while

random sampling, each member of the population has an equal chance to be selected

as a sample. To determine the sample size, the researchers will use survey form that

will be given to each student of Rogationist College High School Department. Then from

the survey, the students who answered as first born child and last born child, they will

be chosen as the respondents of the study. There are 200 first born respondents and

200 last born respondents of this study.

C. Research Instrument

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 The researchers will use two research instruments: (1) survey form and; (2)

questionnaire. Survey forms are used to know the number of students who are first born

and last born that asks about the social adjustment of the first born and last born among

the high school students. It consists of three columns; the first one is labeled first born,

which is beside the names of the students, the second one is labeled last born, and

the last is the respondents signature.

The questionnaire consists of series of questions for getting information about

the respondents; the respondents of the questionnaire were based on the survey. The

questionnaire was used as the main data-gathering instrument for this study. It consists

of two parts: (1) the questions about the social adjustment of the first born; (2) the

questions about the social adjustment of the last born. These two parts asks about the

attitude of respondents towards their parents/guardians, their sibling, peers, people in

authority and other people who are significant in this study this helps the researchers to

determine the respondents social behavior and asks about the significant differences of

the first born and last born

D. Data Gathering Procedure

To determine the samples to be used in the study, the researchers will conduct a

survey first. The survey forms will be given to the first four officers of St. Hannibal, the

officers will then distribute the survey forms to the secretaries of each class. Each

respondent will be given two days to answer the survey form and after the allotted days,

the secretary will collect the survey and then give it to their English teacher. The Basic

Research teacher will be in- charge in collecting the forms that will be given to the

researchers.

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 After determining the samples, making the survey form and questionnaires, the

researchers will give their questionnaires to the president of the class which is assigned

for the first year, vice president for the second year, secretary for the third year, and

treasurer for the fourth year. The said officers will distribute the questionnaires to the

secretaries of each class. Five days will be allotted to each respondent to answer the

questionnaires, and then they will give it to their English teacher which will be tasked to

give the questionnaires to the Basic Research teacher.

After collecting the questionnaires, the researchers will summarize, analyze and

interpret the gathered data.

E. Statistical Treatment
To determine the differences between the first and last born, the researchers will

use two statistical techniques: (1) frequency and percentage; (2) T Test
Frequency and percentage is a procedure which measures the consistency of

each variable and the changes that were observed. It is reached by multiplying each of

the relative frequency values by 100. Frequency gets the percentage of the answers of

the respondents and the latter displays of the data that shows the percentage of items

that falls above or below certain values. With this technique, it will be easy to analyze

and interpret the data whether it is high or not. These will be used to determine the

number of such variable and its part from the total.

Formula: P= x 100

Where: P= percentage
f = frequency
n= total number of respondents

TTest assesses whether the means of two groups

are statistically different from each other. This analysis is appropriate whenever you

19
want to compare the means of two groups, and especially appropriate as the analysis

for the posttest-only two-group randomized experimental design.

Formula:

where: = average in the posttest

= average in the pretest

= standard deviation of the posttest

= standard deviation of the pretest

= correlation between pretest and posttest score

= , the standard error of the posttest mean

= , the standard error of the pretest mean

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 CHAPTER 4

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter shows the presentation, analysis, and interpretation of the data from

the respondents of the study.

Problem 1. What is the profile of the respondents in their birth order?

Table 1.1 Birth Order of the Respondents

BIRTH ORDER FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

First Born Child 200 50.00
Last Born Child 200 50.00
TOTAL 400 100.00

Using frequency and percentage method, Table 1.3 shows that out of the

400 respondents, 200 or 50.00% belongs to the category as First Born Child and the

other half ( 50.00%) belongs to the category as Last Born Child.

Problem 2. What is the social adjuestment of the first born respondents towards

their parents/guardians, siblings, people in authority, friends/classmates and the

other people?

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Table 2.1 Social Adjustments of the Respondents towards their Parents/Guardians

SOCIAL ADJUSTMENTS TOWARDS PARENTS/GUARDIANS MEAN INTERPRETATION

1. I follow the orders of my parents/guardians. 3.25 Often
2. I say po and opo to them. 3.11 Often
3. I am open to them in every way. 2.53 Often
4. I do listen and follow their advices. 3.02 Often
5. I am honest with them in every way. 2.81 Often
6. I respect them in every way. 3.39 Often
7. I am helping them in doing the household chores. 2.80 Often
8. I do ask for their opinions and advices when I have problems. 2.50 Sometimes
9. I appreciate it whenever they correct me. 2.90 Often
10. I enjoy having some bonding time with them. 3.38 Often
MEAN SCORE 2.97 OFTEN
Legend: 3.51 - 4.00 Always; 2.51 - 3.50 Often; 1.51 2.50 Sometimes; 0.51 1.50 Seldom; 0.00 - 0. 50 Never

Using mean statistical technique, Table 2.1 shows that out of the 200

respondents of the First Born Child category, they often respect their parents/guardians

in every way (3.39), enjoy having some bonding time with them (3.38), follow the orders

(3.25), say po and opo to them (3.11), listen and follow the advices (3.02),

appreciate it whenever they are corrected (2.90), are honest with them (2.81), help in

doing household chores (2.80) and are open to them (2.53). Meanwhile, they

sometimes ask for their opinions and advices when they have problems (2.50).

Therefore, the gathered data shows that majority of the respondents respect their

parents (3.39) meaning they look at their parents/guardians as models and so they

show their respect; they enjoy having some bonding time with them (3.38) meaning they

value the presence of their parents/guardians and they follow their orders (3.25)

meaning they are obedient to them.

The gathered data can be supported by the study done by Malit et al (2008) and

Carungcong et al (2005), they concluded that the first born children have the best

22
positive attitude because they want to please everyone especially when it comes to their

parents. The presence of their younger siblings gives them the feeling that they are

being dethroned and so they strive harder to be better than their siblings. In the site

www.allsands.com/kids/birthorderpers_rgw_gn.htm, it was mentioned that eldest

children look to their parents as the people on whom they should model their behavior.

Often problems arise because both parents and the children themselves expect the

children to act like little adults. This child strongly seeks parental approval. Oldest

children often are very sensitive to criticism, very eager to please, and responsible.

Table 2.2 Social Adjustments of the Respondents towards their Siblings

SOCIAL ADJUSTMENTS TOWARDS SIBLINGS MEAN INTERPRETATION

1. I am happy whenever Im with them. 3.17 Often
2. I am jealous with them. 2.80 Often
3. I share my problems and experience to them. 2.23 Sometimes
4. I do ask their opinions or advices whenever I have problems. 1.93 Sometimes
5. I help them when they ask for help. 3.00 Often
6. I help them when they need my help. 3.07 Often
7. I am happy to give them advice when they have problems. 2.80 Often
8. I am sharing what I have with them. 2.86 Often
9. I am comfortable whenever I am with them. 3.06 Often
10. I am helping them whenever they have their problems. 2.85 Often
MEAN SCORE 2.77 OFTEN

Using mean statistical technique, Table 2.2 shows that out of the 200

respondents in the First Born category, they are often happy with their siblings (3.17),

help them when in need (3.07), comfortable with them (3.06), help them when they ask

to (3.00), share what they have (2.86), help them when they have problems (2.85),

jealous with them and they are happy to give them advices (2.80). Meanwhile, they

23
sometimes share their problems and experiences (2.23) and sometimes ask the

opinions or advices whenever they have problems (1.93).

Therefore, the gathered data shows that majority of the respondents are happy

with their siblings (3.17) meaning they enjoy the company of their sisters/brothers; they

help them when in need (3.07) meaning they are helpful, when they see their siblings

having a hard with some things, they are trying to do their best to help them and lastly

they are comfortable with them (3.06) meaning they are close with their siblings.

The gathered data was supported by Samantha Murphy (2005). She mentioned

that there are two types of first born, the first one is compliant and the other one is

aggressive under the compliant type, she described the first born as People Pleasers,

Caregivers, Reliable, and Conscientious therefore a first born child have the tendency to

be always ready to help their younger siblings in spite of their feeling of dethronement.

Because they are first born child, they have the chance to acquire their parents traits

and so they tend to help their younger siblings in every way they can. Meanwhile,

Judith Rich Harris opposed the results and said that birth order effects may exist within

the context of the family of origin but it may not affect the personality of a child.

24
Table 2.3 Social Adjustments of the Respondents towards the People in Authority

SOCIAL ADJUSTMENTS TOWARDS PEOPLE IN AUTHORITY MEAN INTERPRETATION

1. I follow their rules and regulations. 3.21 Often
2. I respect them in every way. 3.32 Often
3. I am open to be criticized by them. 2.78 Often
4. I am honest to them in every way. 3.08 Often
5. I am honest with them. 3.10 Often
6. I do follow their orders politely. 3.17 Often
7. I am happy whenever I am with them. 2.75 Often
8. I say po and opo to them. 3.32 Often
9. I am comfortable whenever I am with them. 2.65 Often
10. I follow their comments and suggestions. 2.76 Often
MEAN SCORE 3.01 OFTEN

Using mean statistical technique, Table 2.3 shows that out of the 200 First Born

respondents, they often respect the people in authority and they say po and opo

(3.32), follow their rules and regulations (3.21), follow the orders politely (3.17), honest

to them (3.10), honest to them in every way (3.08), open to be criticized (2.78), follow

their comments and suggestions (2.76), happy with them (2.75), and they are

comfortable with them (2.65).

Therefore, the gathered data shows that majority of the first born respondents

respect the people in authority and they say po and opo (3.32) as a sign of their

respect to these people; they follow the rules and regulations (3.21) and follow the

orders politely (3.17) as a sign of them being respectful and obedient.

The gathered data was opposed by Judith Rich Harris, Harris provides evidence

that the patterns of behaviour acquired in the childhood home doesnt affect the way

people behave outside the home, even during childhood. Ernst and Angst (1983) also

mentioned that when they reviewed all of the research published between 1946 and

25
1980, they said that there are only minimal effects done by birth order. They also did

their own study on a representative sample of 6,315 young men from Switzerland in the

year 1983. They found no substantial effects of birth order and concluded that birth

order research was a "waste of time."

Table 2.4 Social Adjustments of the Respondents towards their Friends

SOCIAL ADJUSTMENTS TOWARDS FRIENDS/CLASSMATES MEAN INTERPRETATION

1. I am happy whenever Im with them. 3.52 Always
2. I am open to them in every way. 3.07 Often
3. I share my problems and experiences to them. 2.96 Often
4. I do ask their opinions or advices. 2.97 Often
5. I am honest with them in every way. 3.00 Often
6. I join them in making group activities. 3.21 Often
7. I respect their ideas and suggestions. 3.35 Often
8. I am ready to help whenever they ask for help. 3.36 Often
9. I am helping them whenever they have their problems. 3.28 Often
10. I am comfortable whenever I am with them. 3.38 Often
MEAN SCORE 3.21 OFTEN

Using mean statistical technique, Table 2.4 shows that out of the 200 First Born

respondents, they are always happy with their friends/classmates (3.52). Meanwhile,

they are often comfortable with them (3.38), ready to help when they ask for it (3.36),

respect their ideas and suggestions (3.35), helping them whenever they have problems

(3.28), join them in making group activities (3.21), open to them in every way (3.07),

honest with them (3.00), ask their opinions or advices (2.97) and they often share their

problems and experiences (2.96).

Therefore, the gathered data shows that majority of the first born respondents

are happy with their friends/ classmates (3.52) meaning that they really close with them

and they are sociable; they are comfortable with them (3.38) meaning they really know

26
the personality and attitude of their friends/classmates and so they are used to it and

lastly they are ready to help when they ask for it (3.36), as a first born child they are

used to helping their siblings and so they carry this attitude of being helpful and when

someone needs it, she/he can rely to this first born child.

The gathered data was supported by an article in Newsweek, it said that first

born child are more likely to befriend with the one same with their attitude without

knowing the birth order. The results was also opposed by the study of Malit et al (2008)

and Carungcong et al (2005), they concluded that first born children were the best

leaders, has the best and positive attitude, and most responsible and less sociable to

the other people but believe that having good relationship is important. This means that

due to the aggressive attitude of the first born (perfectionist, driven and assertive), they

somewhat push people away from them causing them to be alone.

Table 2.5 Social Adjustments of the Respondents towards the Other People

SOCIAL ADJUSTMENTS TOWARDS OTHER PEOPLE MEAN INTERPRETATION

1. I respect them in every way. 3.37 Often
2. I am honest to them in every way. 2.97 Often
3. I am open to be criticized by them. 2.72 Often
4. I do ask their opinions or advices. 2.67 Often
5. I do follow their orders politely. 2.85 Often
6. I follow their comments and suggestions. 2.68 Often
7. I am comfortable whenever I am with them. 2.53 Often
8. I am happy whenever I am with them. 2.65 Often
9. I can easily talk to them. 2.64 Often
10. I am helping them whenever they have their problems. 2.75 Often
MEAN SCORE 2.78 OFTEN

27
 Using mean statistical technique, Table 2.5 shows that out of the 200 First Born

respondents, they often respect the other people in every way (3.37), are honest to

them (2.97),follow their orders politely (2.85), helping them when they have problems

(2.75), open to be criticized by them (2.72), follow their comments and suggestions

(2.68), ask their opinions or advices (2.67), happy with them (2.65), can easily talk to

them ( 2.64), and they are comfortable with them (2.53).

Therefore, the gathered data shows that majority of the first born respondents

often respect the other people (3.37) as a sign of respect because they also treat them

as their parents because of their age; they are honest to them (2.97),and they follow

their orders politely (2.85) they acquired the honesty and being obedient because of the

influence of their parents even though they do not know them well.

The gathered data was opposed by Judith Harris; she provided evidence that the

patterns of behaviour acquired in the childhood home don't affect the way people

behave outside the home, even during childhood. It means that when a child is with

their parents and siblings, firstborns behave differently than last borns, even during

adulthood. However, most people don't spend their adult lives in their childhood home.

Table 2.6 Social Adjustment of the First Born Students

SOCIAL ADJUSTMENTS OF THE FIRST BORN CHILD TOWARDS MEAN INTERPRETATION

1. Their parents/guardians 2.97 High Social Adjustment
2. Their siblings 2.77 High Social Adjustment
3. The people in authority 3.01 High Social Adjustment
4. Their friends 3.21 High Social Adjustment
5. Other people 2.78 High Social Adjustment
HIGH SOCIAL
MEAN SCORE 2.95
ADJUSTMENT

28
 Using mean statistical technique, Table 2.6 shows that the first born respondents

have good relationship with their friends (3.21), with the people in authority (3.01), with

their parents/guardians (2.97) , with the other people (2.78) and lastly, with their siblings

(2.77).

Therefore, the gathered data shows that majority of the first born respondents

have good relationship with their friends treating them as a part of their family; they also

acquired good relationship with people in authority (3.01) treating them as good leaders

who may lead them to become better and responsible citizens.

The result from table 2.6 was supported by a theory from

http://www.birthorderandpersonality.com/id15.html which states that first born children

were reliable enough thats why many people would like to be his/her friend for such an

attitude he/she possesses. Every people want to have a friend who is reliable for their

secrets or personal agenda. People around also expects to have a friend who is

responsible enough and can be a good model for them thats why they take most of the

time first born children as their primary choice as a friend.

Problem 3. What is the social adjustment of the last born respondents towards

their parents/guardians, siblings, people in authority, friends/classmates and the

other people?

29
Table 3.1 Social Adjustments of the Respondents towards their Parents/Guardians

SOCIAL ADJUSTMENTS TOWARDS PARENTS/GUARDIANS MEAN INTERPRETATION

1. I follow the orders of my parents/guardians. 3.16 Often
2. I say po and opo to them. 2.97 Often
3. I am open to them in every way. 2.50 Sometimes
4. I do listen and follow their advices. 3.12 Often
5. I am honest with them in every way. 2.96 Often
6. I respect them in every way. 3.44 Often
7. I am helping them in doing the household chores. 2.74 Often
8. I do ask for their opinions and advices when I have problems. 2.52 Often
9. I appreciate it whenever they correct me. 2.97 Often
10. I enjoy having some bonding time with them. 3.56 Always
MEAN SCORE 2.99 OFTEN

Using mean statistical technique, Table 3.1 shows that out of the 200 Last Born

respondents, they always enjoy having some bonding time with their parents/guardians

(3.56). Meanwhile, they often respect them (3.44), follow the orders (3.16), listen and

follow their advices (3.12), say po and opo to them (2.97), appreciate it when they

are corrected (2.97), honest with them (2.96), help them in doing the household chores

(2.74), ask for their opinions and advices (2.52). Lastly, they are sometimes open with

their parents/guardians (2.50).

Therefore, the data gathered proves that majority of the last born children enjoy

the company of their parents through spending some bonding time with them meaning

due to their being the darling of their home, they value the time they are with their

parents.(3.56), respect their parents meaning they look up with them(3.44), follow the

orders of their parents(3.16) meaning they associate with their parents and knows how

to follow the authorities in their house.

This proves the theory from www.relationship-affairs.com that last born kids are

very close and affectionate with their parents since they receive more affection and care

30
from them. Parents often have learned in rearing their first born tend to give less

expectation to the last born which gives the latter the feeling that they have fall back

when they fail and the freedom to take the risk in doing what they love. Last born kids

always enjoy bonding time with their parents as shown in the Table 3.1 since they are

favored by their parents and that they take advantage the time they have with them as

most parents become less active or playful with age.

Table 3.2 Social Adjustments of the Respondents towards their Siblings

SOCIAL ADJUSTMENTS TOWARDS SIBLINGS MEAN INTERPRETATION

1. I am happy whenever Im with them. 3.30 Often
2. I am jealous with them. 2.96 Often
3. I share my problems and experience to them. 2.37 Often
4. I do ask their opinions or advices whenever I have problems. 2.32 Often
5. I help them when they ask for help. 2.99 Often
6. I help them when they need my help. 3.10 Often
7. I am happy to give them advice when they have problems. 2.63 Often
8. I am sharing what I have with them. 2.87 Often
9. I am comfortable whenever I am with them. 3.26 Often
10. I am helping them whenever they have their problems. 2.82 Often
MEAN SCORE 2.86 OFTEN

Using mean statistical technique, Table 3.2 shows that out of 200 Last Born

Respondents, they are often happy with their siblings (3.30), comfortable with them

(3.26), help them when in need (3.10), help them when they ask for it (2.99), jealous

with them (2.96), sharing what they have (2.87), helping them when they have problems

(2.82), happy to give them advices (2.63), share their problems and experiences (2.37),

and ask their opinions or advices whenever they have problems (2.32).

The data gathered proves that most of the youngest siblings enjoy the company

of their older brothers and sisters(3.30) since they are the babies and darlings of their

31
brood and is often receives much affection, it complements that majority of the youngest

children are comfortable in the company of their siblings (3.26) meaning they feel safe

whenever they are with their older siblings and are ready to give extend their help to

their older siblings(3.10) meaning they dont just received all the advantages of being

youngest but they also know how to give some help whenever it is needed.

Last born kids tend to rebel with older siblings because they view their older

siblings as rival and since they are the youngest of the brood and is often favored by

their parents, last born tend to become spoiled, Table 3.2 supported the theory on

http://rummageofpaola.multiply.com in which last born kids opposed their older siblings

and want to become different.

Table 3.3 Social Adjustments of the Respondents towards the People in Authority

SOCIAL ADJUSTMENTS TOWARDS PEOPLE IN AUTHORITY MEAN INTERPRETATION

1. I follow their rules and regulations. 3.31 Often
2. I respect them in every way. 3.37 Often
3. I am open to be criticized by them. 2.85 Often
4. I am honest to them in every way. 3.06 Often
5. I am honest with them. 3.12 Often
6. I do follow their orders politely. 3.20 Often
7. I am happy whenever I am with them. 2.88 Often
8. I say po and opo to them. 3.37 Often
9. I am comfortable whenever I am with them. 2.87 Often
10. I follow their comments and suggestions. 2.95 Often
MEAN SCORE 3.10 OFTEN

Using mean statistical technique, Table 3.3 shows that out of 200 Last Born

respondents, they often say po and opo to the people in authority (3.37), respect

them in every way (3.37), follow their rules and regulations (3.31), follow their orders

32
politely (3.20), honest with them (3.12), honest to them in every way (3.06), follow their

comments and suggestions (2.95), happy with them (2.88), comfortable with them

(2.87), and they are often open to be criticized by them (2.85).

The data gathered proves that youngest siblings know how to respect people in

authority (3.37) and believes that they respect them by saying po and opo(3.37)

meaning youngest siblings because of their order in the family acknowledges their place

in the family, and thus follows the order of the person in authority(3.31) meaning of their

place in the family they are trained to respect persons in authority

The outcome of Table 3.3 was opposed by the theory presented in

http://www.allsands.com in which last born kids are more likely to bend the rules of the

authority specifically their parents since they are the darlings and the dotted ones. They

are viewed as small or too little to be powerful players in the family, parents usually go

soft with them, in fact, it was found out that most older siblings tend to come back from

college to find out that their youngest brother or sister has no curfew whereas they have

stricter curfew when they were in the same age. In Camungol, Macabali, Tumamao

thesis Robert Needlman, M.D. (2001) said that if a person has a good relationship with

his family then the last born can also have a good relationship with the people in

authority.

33
Table 3.4 Social Adjustments of the Respondents towards their Friends

SOCIAL ADJUSTMENTS TOWARDS FRIENDS/CLASSMATES MEAN INTERPRETATION

1. I am happy whenever Im with them. 3.54 Always
2. I am open to them in every way. 3.19 Often
3. I share my problems and experiences to them. 3.14 Often
4. I do ask their opinions or advices. 3.11 Often
5. I am honest with them in every way. 3.21 Often
6. I join them in making group activities. 3.38 Often
7. I respect their ideas and suggestions. 3.43 Often
8. I am ready to help whenever they ask for help. 3.51 Always
9. I am helping them whenever they have their problems. 3.32 Often
10. I am comfortable whenever I am with them. 3.43 Often
MEAN SCORE 3.32 OFTEN

Using mean statistical technique, Table 3.4 shows that out of the 200 Last Born

respondents, they are always happy with their friends/classmates (3.54), ready to help

whenever they ask for help (3.51). Meanwhile, they often respect their ideas and

suggestions (3.43), comfortable with them (3.43), join them in making group activities

(3.38), are helping them whenever they have problems (3.32), honest with them in

every way (3.21), open to them (3.19), share their problems and experiences (3.14) and

they often ask their opinions or advices (3.11).

Table 3.1 proves that youngest siblings enjoy the company of their friends (3.54)

meaning the statics proves that youngest siblings are sociable, and is ready to help

them whenever they need help (3.51) meaning youngest siblings associate their friends

as their older siblings and since they are accustomed to their siblings, it radiates in their

friends and respects their suggestions (3.43), meaning youngest siblings are open to

the ideas of their friends.

The data gathered agrees with the theory on http://psychology.jrank.org that links

the last born kids are more sociable and is easily make friend. It is found out that last

34
born kids are most likely to join fraternity and sorority in later age due to high esteem

they got from their relationship with their parents. Last born kids is often considered the

most artistic of the children and are more likely to be the class clown, since they will do

just about anything for attention.

According to the thesis of Camungol, Macabali, Tumamao Samantha Murphy

(2005) stated that last born children are funnier, more agreeable and more sociable than

other birth order. Cane (2009) said that last borns are easily to have friends because

since childhood they already had interacted with lots of people.

Table 3.5 Social Adjustments of the Respondents towards the Other People

SOAIL ADJUSTMENTS TOWARDS OTHER PEOPLE MEAN INTERPRETATION

1. I respect them in every way. 3.42 Often
2. I am honest to them in every way. 2.98 Often
3. I am open to be criticized by them. 2.73 Often
4. I do ask their opinions or advices. 2.68 Often
5. I do follow their orders politely. 3.01 Often
6. I follow their comments and suggestions. 2.80 Often
7. I am comfortable whenever I am with them. 2.68 Often
8. I am happy whenever I am with them. 2.78 Often
9. I can easily talk to them. 2.87 Often
10. I am helping them whenever they have their problems. 2.89 Often
MEAN SCORE 2.88 OFTEN

Using mean statistical technique, Table 3.5 shows that out of the 200 Last Born

respondents, they often respect the other people (3.42), follow their orders (3.01), are

honest to them (2.98), helping them when they have problems (2.89), can easily talk to

them (2.87), follow their comments and suggestions (2.80), happy with them (2.78),

35
open to be criticized by them (2.73), ask their opinions or advices and comfortable with

them (2.68).

The data gathered proves that youngest siblings respect other people (3.42)

meaning they know how to respect others, follows their order politely (3.01) and lastly

honest with them in every way (2.98).

Last born kids are sociable and funny as agreed with the theory in

http://www.thecutekid.com thus making them agreeable with other people; last born kids

are carefree and non-competitive because they have the attention of other people.

Table 3.6 Social Adjustment of the Last Born Students

SOCIAL ADJUSTMENTS THE LAST BORN CHILD TOWARDS MEAN INTERPRETATION

1. Their parents/guardians 2.99 High Social Adjustment
2. Their siblings 2.86 High Social Adjustment
3. The people in authority 3.10 High Social Adjustment
4. Their friends 3.32 High Social Adjustment
5. Other people 2.88 High Social Adjustment
HIGH SOCIAL
MEAN SCORE 3.03
ADJUSTMENT

Using mean statistical technique, Table 3.6 shows that the Last Born

respondents have High Social Adjustment with their friends (3.32), with the people in

authority (3.10), with their parents/guardians (2.99), with the other people (2.88), and

lastly with their siblings (2.86).

The data gathered from Table 3.6 shows that last born children have good

relationship with their friends (3.32) meaning, they spend most of their time mingling

happily with his/her friends; and also have good relationship with the people in authority

(3.10) treating them as role models.

36
 A theory from http://www.birthorderandpersonality.com/id3.html supports the idea

of having the last born children to be closer with his/her friends for they tend to be

sociable and affectionate. With such reasons, they also tend to be attention lovers

causing them to search for more friends who can he/she trust and who can understand

them better.

Problem 4. Is there a significant difference between the social adjustments of the

first born and the last born?

Table 4.1 Differences of the Social Adjustments of the First Born and the Last Born

SOCIAL T- VALUE CRITICAL LEVEL OF INTERPRETATION

ADJUSTMENT VALUE SIGNIFICANCE
TOWARDS
1. Their parents/ 0.00532 2.776 0.05 NS
guardian
2. Their siblings 0.0984 2.262 0.05 NS
3. The people in 0.0067 2.262 0.05 NS
authority
4. Their friends 0.0003 2.262 0.05 NS
5. Other people 0.0016 2.262 0.05 NS
*NS = No Significant Difference

Using t-test statistical technique, Table 4.1 shows that there is no significant

difference between the social adjustment of the first born and last born with their

siblings (0.0984),the people in authority (0.0067), their parents/guardians (0.00532), the

other people (0.0016) and their friends (0.003).

The results of the data gathered showed that there are no significant differences

between the social adjustment of the first born and the last born. Therefore, the null

hypothesis that was stated in the statement of the problem will be accepted due to the

results. A research done by Judith Rich Harris will support the results of the data

37
gathered, she suggested that birth order effects may exist within the context of the

family of origin, but that they are not enduring aspects of personality. When people are

with their parents and siblings, firstborns behave differently than laterborns, even during

adulthood. However, most people don't spend their adult lives in their childhood home.

Harris provides evidence that the patterns of behaviour acquired in the childhood home

don't affect the way people behave outside the home, even during childhood. Harris

concludes that birth order effects keep turning up because people keep looking for

them, and keep analyzing and reanalyzing their data until they find them. The study

conducted by Ernst and Angst (1983) will also support the results. According to their

study, there is no substantial effects of birth order and no significant correlation between

the birth order and the self-reported personality.

CHAPTER 5

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

38
A. Summary of Findings

This study was conducted to know the differences between the social

adjustments of the first born and the last born children. It was conducted during the year

2010 -2011. In this study, the descriptive method was used. Purposive sampling and

Random sampling were used to determine the respondents of the study, who are the

eldest and the youngest children in their family. Both the survey forms and

questionnaires served as the research instrument. Survey forms were used to know

who the eldest and the youngest children in their family. Questionnaires were used to

identify the respondents social behavior and their significant differences when it comes

to their social adjustment. Frequency and Percentage, T-Test were used to interpret the

datas gathered.

Problem 1. What is profile of the respondents in their birth order?

This study has 400 respondents who were the first and the last born children in

their family: 200 or 50% for the first born children; while 200 or 50% also for the last

born respondents

Problem 2. What is the social adjuestment of the first born respondents towards

their parents/guardians, siblings, people in authority, friends/classmates and the

other people?

Based on the gathered data, we have observed that the first born tend to have

high social adjustment to their parents/guardians. They often respect their

parents/guardians in every way (3.39), enjoy having some bonding time with them

39
(3.38), follow the orders (3.25), say po and opo to them (3.11), listen and follow the

advices (3.02), appreciate it whenever they are corrected (2.90), are honest with them

(2.81), help in doing household chores (2.80) and are open to them (2.53). Meanwhile,

they sometimes ask for their opinions and advices when they have problems (2.50).

Their social adjustment towards their siblings was also interpreted to as high

social adjustment. , they are often happy with their siblings (3.17), help them when in

need (3.07), comfortable with them (3.06), help them when they ask to (3.00), share

what they have (2.86), help them when they have problems (2.85), jealous with them

and they are happy to give them advices (2.80). Meanwhile, they sometimes share

their problems and experiences (2.23) and sometimes ask the opinions or advices

whenever they have problems (1.93).

Towards their friends/classmates, the first born still has high social adjustment.

they often respect the people in authority and they say po and opo (3.32), follow

their rules and regulations (3.21), follow the orders politely (3.17), honest to them (3.10),

honest to them in every way (3.08), open to be criticized (2.78), follow their comments

and suggestions (2.76), happy with them (2.75), and they are comfortable with them

(2.65).

Meanwhile, the gathered data for their social adjustment towards people in

authority shows that they had high social adjustment. they are always happy with their

friends/classmates (3.52). Meanwhile, they are often comfortable with them (3.38),

ready to help when they ask for it (3.36), respect their ideas and suggestions (3.35),

helping them whenever they have problems (3.28), join them in making group activities

40
(3.21), open to them in every way (3.07), honest with them (3.00), ask their opinions or

advices (2.97) and they often share their problems and experiences (2.96).

Problem 3. What is the social adjustment of the last born respondents towards

their parents/guardians, siblings, people in authority, friends/classmates and the

other people?

Based on the gathered data, we have seen that the last born tend to have high

social adjustment to their parents/guardians. They always enjoy having some bonding

time with their parents/guardians (3.56), they often respect them (3.44), follow the

orders (3.16), listen and follow their advices (3.12), say po and opo to them (2.97),

appreciate it when they are corrected (2.97), honest with them (2.96), help them in

doing the household chores (2.74), ask for their opinions and advices (2.52). Lastly,

they are sometimes open with their parents/guardians (2.50).

Their social adjustment towards their siblings was also interpreted to as high

social adjustment. They are often happy with their siblings (3.30), comfortable with

them (3.26), help them when in need (3.10), help them when they ask for it (2.99),

jealous with them (2.96), sharing what they have (2.87), helping them when they have

problems (2.82), happy to give them advices (2.63), share their problems and

experiences (2.37), and ask their opinions or advices whenever they have problems

(2.32).

Towards their friends/classmates, the last born has high social adjustment. They

often say po and opo to the people in authority (3.37), respect them in every way

(3.37), follow their rules and regulations (3.31), follow their orders politely (3.20), honest

41
with them (3.12), honest to them in every way (3.06), follow their comments and

suggestions (2.95), happy with them (2.88), comfortable with them (2.87), and they are

often open to be criticized by them (2.85).

Meanwhile, the gathered data for their social adjustment towards people in

authority shows that they had high social adjustment. They are always happy with

their friends/classmates (3.54), ready to help whenever they ask for help (3.51).

Meanwhile, they often respect their ideas and suggestions (3.43), comfortable with

them (3.43), join them in making group activities (3.38), are helping them whenever they

have problems (3.32), honest with them in every way (3.21), open to them (3.19), share

their problems and experiences (3.14) and they often ask their opinions or advices

(3.11).

Problem 4. Is there a significant difference of the social adjustments of the first

born and the last born?

Based from the gathered data, it shows that there is no significant difference

between the social adjustment of the first born and last born with their siblings

(0.0984),the people in authority (0.0067), their parents/guardians (0.00532), the other

people (0.0016) and their friends (0.003).

B. Conclusion

After the researchers have analyzed the gathered data, they came to different

conclusions:

42
1. Majority of the respondents have high social adjustment towards their parents,

siblings, people in authority, friends/classmates and to other people. And this

shows that the first born and the last born tend to establish good relationships

with every people.

2. The first born children tend to have high social adjustment with people namely:

parents, siblings, people in authority, friends or classmates and to other people;

due to they tend to be reliable. And most of the people want to have a friend who

reliable and trustworthy thats why they consider the first born to be with.

3. The last born children prefer to have high social adjustment with different people

namely: parents, siblings, people in authority, friends or classmates and to other

people; due to that they tend to be more affectionate and attention seekers. They

do love to be friendly and to get along with each other well.

4. Birth order doesnt seem to have any significance towards the social adjustment

of the first born and the last born children. Their own personalities yielded by

their birth order seemed to not affect their social adjustments towards different

people especially to their parents, siblings, people in authority,

friends/classmates, and to other people.

5. There is no significant difference between the first and the last born children

when it comes to their social adjustment. Both of them seemed to have good

social relationships to each of the different people given; family, sibling,

friends/classmates, people in authority and other people.

43
C. Recommendations

Based on the conclusions, the researchers have drawn the following

recommendations:

1. The students should not be shy or avoid others due to their personalities. They

should not judge their peers with the following beliefs theorized by the people

based on their birth order for their personalities. Their peers who come in

different birth orders and behavior tend to have good social relationships to

different people who come in different walks of life.

2. The guidance counselors should continue in giving advices and in helping the

students to cope up with their difficulties that they experience. They should be

giving surveys or tests that may help them to understand on how to guide/deal

with each student especially with the first and the last born.

3. The teachers should build good relationships with their students to understand

their attitudes better. They should spend some time to talk with them about their

problems in order to guide them to the right path, considering the teachers as

their second parents.

4. The parents should always guide all of their children, not considering the birth

order in the family. They should give equal love and attention to each of their

child, so they will not have the tendency to have bad attitudes or sibling rivalries

due to favoritism. They should understand their children, try to give them some

advice, and be able to have some time with their family.

5. The future researchers should give more theories and give a deeper

understanding when it comes to the social behavior of the students.

44
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Feist, J. & Feist, G. 2009. Applications of Individual Psychology. Theories of

Personality. New York, USA:
McGraw Hill Education. 85 87.
Schultz, D & Schultz, S. 2008. Birth Order. A History of Modern Psychology. Belmont,
CA:
Thomas Learning, Inc. 464 465.

45
Kring, A. et al. 2010. Family Related Factors. Abnormal Psychology. Asia:
John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 338.
Macionis, J. 2003. Agents of Socialization. Sociology. New Jersey, USA:
Pearson Education South Asia Pte Ltd. 125.

Grose, M. ( Birth Order Understand How it Affects your Personality ). 2005, June 22.
ezine@rticles. July 2010
< http://ezinearticles.com/?Birth-Order---Understand-How-It-Affects-Your-
Personality&id=45481>
Cowley, G. (First born, last born.(personality differences between first and last born
siblings). Newsweek. 1996, October 7. highbeam. July 2010.
<http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-18722426.html >
Pawlik Kienlen, L. (How Birth Order Changes Your Life) 2007, November 1. suite101.
August 2010.
< http://www.suite101.com/content/how-birth-order-changes-your-life-a34596>
Kluger, J. (The Power of Birth Order). Time Magazine. 2007, October 17. Time. August
2010. < http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1672715-2,00.html>
Stossel, J. (Does Birth Order Determine Personality?). Abcnews . 2004, May 21. Abcnews .
August 2010. < http://abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=124276>
Leventhal, T. & Shrader, W. ( Birth Order of Children and Parental Report of Problems.)
< http://www. birthorderandpersonality.com/index.html>
Schilling, R. (The Effects of Birth Order on Interpersonal Relationships.)
<http//:faculty.mckendree.edu/scholars/2001/schilling.htm> October 20

46
Effects of Birth Order. <http//: www.essortment.com/all/effects birthor_omv.htm>
October 2010.
How Birth Order Affects your Personality.
http://pragmasyanesi.wordpress.com/2010/01/1how-birth-afects-your-
personality/htm. Ocotber 2010
Ruled by Birth Order. <http//: www.newsweek.com> October 2010
First Born Children < http://social.jrank.org/pages/261/Firstborn-Children.html>
July 2010
Birth Order <http://social.jrank.org/pages/260/Firstborn-Children-Birth-Order-
Personality.html> July 2010
Birth Order < en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birth_Order > September 2010
Birth Order and Nurture Misassumption: A Reply To Judith Harris by Frank Sulloway
1998 , June 17. <edge.org13rd_culture/sulloway_harris/sulloway_harris_p4.html>
Birth Order <www.litteltree.com.au/birthorder.htm> September 2010
Personality of First Born
<www.surfnetparents.com/the_personality_type_of_a_first_child-4573.html
>July 2010
Effects of Birth Order < www.essortment.com/all/effectsbirth.omv.htm> &
<www.workingresources.com/articlea/article.nhtml?uid=1008 >July 2010

47
APPENDICES

48
 Rogationist College
High School Department
School Year 2009- 2010
APPENDIX A
Letter to the Editor
9 March 2011
Mr. Hernane B. Beulla
Teacher
New Era High School
Dasmarias, Cavite

Dear Sir:
Greetings!
We, the senior students of Rogationist College High School Department are
presently working on our paper as a requirement in our Basic Research subject. Our
topic is about the effects of being a first born child to the social behavior of the high
school students.
In line with this, we wish to ask your help in editing our research paper in terms of
grammar, specially the sentence construction and spelling. We believe that you have
the great ability to be the editor of our research.
We are hoping for your kind consideration.
Thank you very much and may God bless you!
Sincerely,
_________________ ______________________ ______________________
Vanessa Entereso Jhune Love Reyes Christopher Allan Tan
Noted by:
_____________________ _____________________
Mrs. Marites D. Yayong Hernane B. Buella

49
 Basic Research Teacher

Rogationist College
High School Department
School Year 2009 2010

APPENDIX B

Sample Instrument

Respondent no. ___

Rogationist College
High School Department
S.Y. 2010-2011

Dear Respondents,

We, Vanessa Entereso, Jhune Love Reyes, and Christopher Allan Tan of IV-St.
Hannibal, are currently working on our research paper entitled, Differences of the
Social Adjustments of the First Born Child and Last born Child among the High School
Students Of Rogationist College as part of our requirements in Basic Research,
Mathematics IV and Christian Living Education IV.

In line with this, please answer the questionnaire accurately and honestly as possible.
Your participation will be very helpful in our study. We assure you that all the information
gathered will be kept with the strictest confidentiality.

Thank you!
The Researchers.

I. Students Profile:
Directions: Please fill the blanks provided with your answer. Put a check mark on the
box that corresponds to your answer.

Name (optional):_____________________________
Age: ____

1. What is your birth order in the family:

50
 Eldest
Youngest

II. Statements
Directions: Encircle the number that corresponds to your answer.

4-Always 3-Often 2-Sometimes 1-Seldom 0-Never

A. Attitude towards parents/guardians...

1. I follow the orders of my

4 3 2 1 0
parents/guardians
2. I say po and opo to them 4 3 2 1 0
3. I am open to them in every way 4 3 2 1 0
4. I do listen and follow their advices 4 3 2 1 0
5. I am honest with them in every way 4 3 2 1 0
6. I respect them in every way 4 3 2 1 0
7. I am helping them in doing the
4 3 2 1 0
household chores
8. I do ask for their opinions and advices
4 3 2 1 0
when I have problems
9. I appreciate it whenever they correct me 4 3 2 1 0
10. I enjoy having some bonding time with
4 3 2 1 0
them

B. Attitude towards siblings(Brother,

sister)
1. I am happy whenever Im with them 4 3 2 1 0
2. I am not jealous with them 4 3 2 1 0
3. I share my problems and experiences to
4 3 2 1 0
them
4. I do ask their opinions or advice
4 3 2 1 0
whenever I have problems
5. I help them when they ask for help 4 3 2 1 0
6. I help them when they need my help 4 3 2 1 0
7. I am happy to give them advice when
4 3 2 1 0
they have problems
8. I am sharing what I have with them 4 3 2 1 0
9. I am comfortable whenever I am with
4 3 2 1 0
them
10. I am helping them whenever they have
4 3 2 1 0
their problems

51
4-Always 3-Often 2-Sometimes 1-Seldom 0-Never

C. Attitude towards people in authority

1. I follow their rules and regulations 4 3 2 1 0
2. I respect them in every way 4 3 2 1 0
3. I am open to be criticized by them 4 3 2 1 0
4. I am honest to them in every way 4 3 2 1 0
5. I am honest with them. 4 3 2 1 0
6. I do follow their orders politely 4 3 2 1 0
7. I am happy whenever I am with them 4 3 2 1 0
8. I say po and opo to them 4 3 2 1 0
9. I am comfortable whenever I am with
4 3 2 1 0
them
10. I follow their comments and suggestions 4 3 2 1 0

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D. Attitude towards friends/classmates
1. I am happy whenever Im with them 4 3 2 1 0
2. I am open to them in every way 4 3 2 1 0
3. I share my problems and experiences to
4 3 2 1 0
them
4. I do ask their opinions or advices 4 3 2 1 0
5. I am honest to them in every way 4 3 2 1 0
6. I join them in making group activities 4 3 2 1 0
7. I respect their ideas and suggestions 4 3 2 1 0
8. I am ready to help whenever they ask for
4 3 2 1 0
help
9. I am helping them whenever they have
4 3 2 1 0
their problems
10. I am comfortable whenever I am with
4 3 2 1 0
them

4-Always 3-Often 2-Sometimes 1-Seldom 0-Never

E. Attitude towards other people

1. I respect them in every way 4 3 2 1 0

2. I am honest to them in every way 4 3 2 1 0
3. I am open to be criticized by them 4 3 2 1 0
4. I do ask their opinions or advices 4 3 2 1 0
5. I do follow their orders politely 4 3 2 1 0
6. I follow their comments and suggestions 4 3 2 1 0
7. I am comfortable whenever I am with
4 3 2 1 0
them

53
8. I am happy whenever I am with them 4 3 2 1 0
9. I can easily talk to them. 4 3 2 1 0
10. I am helping them whenever they have
4 3 2 1 0
their problems

____________________________
Respondents Signature

CURRICULUM VITAE

VANESSA B. ENTEROSO
057 J.P. Rizal St. Brgy. Tubuan 3, Silang, Cavite
0939735472 / 09279708672
vanenu23@yahoo.com

Educational Background:

LEVEL SCHOOL YEAR

High School Rogationist College 2007 - 2011
Grade School Sacred Heart Villa School Maria Schinina 2002 2007

54
Clubs and Organizations/Affiliation:

POSITION CLUB/ORGANIZATION YEAR

Member Ministry of Charity 2010 2011
Member Dance and Cheering club 2009 2010
Member Dance and Cheering club 2008 2009
Member Dance and Cheering club 2007 2008

Honors and Awards Received

Honors & Awards Organization YEAR
nd
2 Honor Sacred Heart Villa School 2007

SEMINARS /TRAINING ATTENDED

Campus Journalism
Seminar Workshop Imus Institute, Imus 2006

Character Reference
NAME POSITION YEAR
Mrs. Nerissa Calimag Principal 2007 present
Mrs. Lucila Ambojia Adviser 2010 2011
Mrs. Carol Toledo Guidance Counselor 2010 - 2011-03-07

Personal Background
Age: 16
Birthday: March 31, 1994
Sex: Female
Citizenship: Filipino
Religion: Roman Catholic

______________________________
Signature
CURRICULUM VITAE

JHUNE LOVE E. REYES

28 Main Ave. Windward Hills Subd., Dasmarias City
(046) 489-3811 /+639064203832
jhuneloveereyes@yahoo.com.ph

Educational Background

LEVEL SCHOOL YEAR

High School Rogationist College 2007 2011
Elementary Corinthian Institute of Cavite 2001 2007

Clubs / Organizations Affiliated

POSITION CLUB/ORGANIZATION YEAR

55
 Member Charity Club 2010 2011
Member Charity Club 2009 2010
Member Charity Club 2008 2009
Member Charity Club 2007 2008

Honors / Awards Received

HONOR/AWARD ORGANIZATION YEAR
1st Place Rogationist College 2008 2009
2nd Place Rogationist College 2007 2008

Character Reference

NAME POSITION COMPANY ADDRESS

1. Mrs. Nerissa S.J. Calimag Principal Rogationist college
2. Mrs. Lucila Ambojia Adviser Rogationist college
3. Mr. Aniano M. Pantilanan Jr. Prefect of Discipline Rogationist College
4. Mr. Antonio C. Cadorna Prefect of Discipline Rogationist College
5. Mrs. Carol Toledo Guidance Counselor Rogationist College

Personal Background:
Age: 16 years old Gender: Female
Birthdate: October 9, 1994 Birthplace: Daet, Camarines Norte
Citizenship: Filipino Religion: Catholic

________________________
SIGNATURE

CURRICULUM VITAE

Christopher Allan F. Tan

#9 Brgy. Sta. Clara Subdivision, Gen. Trias, Cavite
(046) 484 3076 / +639166670729
cat_alex_08@yahoo.com

Educational Background
LEVEL SCHOOL YEAR
High School Rogationist College 2010 - 2011
Elementary Blessed Mary Academy 2006 2007
Pre School Blessed Mary Academy 2000 2001

Clubs and Organizations Affiliated

POSITION CLUB YEAR

56
 Senior Staffer Forum 2010 2011
Senior Staffer Forum 2009 2010
Junior Staffer Forum 2008 2009
Public Information Officer Sports Club 2007 2008

Honors and Awards Received

HONORS AND AWARDS SCHOOL YEAR
6th placer in Academics Blessed Mary Academy 2006 2007

Seminars Awarded
Campus Journalism Imus Institute 2006 2007

Character Reference
NAME SCHOOL POSITION
Mrs. Nerissa S.J. Calimag Rogationist College Principal
Mrs. Cherry Barboza Rogationist College Adviser
Mrs. Lucila Ambojia Rogationist College Adviser

Personal Background
Age: 15 Gender: Male
Birthday: April 11, 1995 Birthplace: Manila
Citizenship: Filipino Religion: Catholic

_________________________
Signature

57