In studies of affiliation, which birth position is more likely to affiliate to reduce fear?

• A. Firstborns
• B. Middle-borns
• C. Last-borns
• D. Only children

Answer: (A)

In studies of affiliation, the tendency to seek out others to ease fear is a common coping mechanism. Birth order shapes how people regulate distress through social contact. Firstborns typically grow up with their parents’ full attention first and are socialized to rely on close parental support as a primary buffer against danger. When fear arises, that emphasis on close, reassuring relationships makes firstborns more likely to reach out to others to reduce distress. So, among birth positions, firstborns show the strongest affiliative response to fear, aligning with the idea that seeking companionship is a key strategy for easing anxious feelings in early developmental experiences.