The Effects of Birth Order on Academic Success

Date

2015

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

College of Social Sciences, Mathematics and Education, The University of Tampa

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between birth order and college GPA, high school GPA, SAT scores, anxiety level, and self-esteem. We hypothesized that eldest children would have higher college and high school GPAs, higher SAT scores, lower anxiety levels, and higher self-esteem compared to middle, youngest, and only children. The sample consisted of 127 students from General Psychology and Gateways (freshmen orientation) classes who completed a demographic survey, academic performance survey, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Results of a one-way ANOVA demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between birth order and college GPA. However, the analyses for high school GPA, SAT scores, anxiety level, and self-esteem yielded statistically insignificant results.

Description

Recommended Citation: McNally, Erin. “The Effects of Birth Order on Academic Success.” Acta Spartae, 2015. https://doi.org/10.48497/CE07-0821

Keywords

Birth order, Academic success, GPA, SAT scores, Anxiety, Department of Psychology

Citation