Child's Sociability as a Function of Sex of Child, Number and Sex of Sibling, and Birth Order

성, 형제수, 출생순위 및 형제 성 구성에 따른 아동의 사회성

The purpose of this study was to examine children's sociability as a function of sex of child, number and sex of sibling, and birth order. Children's responses were compared with mothers' responses on social participation and interpersonal adjustment. Subjects were 506 4th and 5th grade children and their mothers. Results showed that mothers' perceptions of their child's sociability were different from those of the children. 'Number of sibling' differences between only children and others were found, with onlies being most likely to show lower scores in interpersonal adjustment. Sex differences in sociability were clearly demonstrated by both children and mothers; that is, boy's interpersonal adjustment scores were lower than girls' scores. Two-way ANOVA data revealed that second-born boys and first-born girls were most likely to obtain higher scores. For siblings, elder sisters showed the highest interpersonal adjustment scores, regardless of sex of younger sibling.