Search Here

A recent extensive study suggested that larger families may have a detrimental impact on the mental health of teenagers. 

Conducted in both the United States and China, the analysis revealed that adolescents from larger families generally experience poorer mental health compared to those with fewer siblings. The study indicated that in the United States, children with no or only one sibling exhibit the best mental health, while in China, well-being is most prominent among only children.

The research identifies that having older siblings and siblings closely spaced in age has the most adverse effects on children's mental health, with the strongest negative associations observed among siblings born within a year of each other. 

Ohio State University professor and lead researcher Doug Downey suggested that the observed pattern aligns with the concept of "resource dilution." Downey explains this as a scenario where parental resources become divided among multiple siblings, potentially impacting each child's mental health.

While the study recognizes the influence of closely spaced siblings on negative outcomes, Downey acknowledges the possibility that families with more children may differ in ways that affect their children's mental health. Despite variations, the study underscored the overall negative impact of siblings on mental health, emphasizing the need for further exploration, particularly in the context of declining fertility rates worldwide.

The positive side of having siblings

While the new study showed the negative effect of having siblings on mental health, past studies have shown some benefits. 

For example, in 2004, Downey and his colleagues conducted a study where they found that participants with at least one sibling demonstrated better social skills in kindergarten. Teachers rated these children as more adept at forming and maintaining friendships, showing sensitivity to others, and expressing feelings positively. 

Additionally, a study from 2016 showed that having more siblings was associated with less chances of divorce in adulthood.