DefinePK

Abstract

This correlational study investigated the relationships between birth order, personality traits, self-esteem, and emotional intelligence among 150 adolescents (75 males, 75 females; age 16–20 years) in Punjab, Pakistan. Participants were stratified into firstborn (n = 50), second-born (n = 50), and last-born (n = 50) subgroups. Pearson correlations revealed significant positive relationships between self-esteem and emotional intelligence (r = .77, p < .01), self-esteem and personality traits (r = .51, p < .05), and emotional intelligence and personality traits (r = .22, p < .01). Hierarchical regression analysis indicated birth order, self-esteem, and personality traits did not significantly predict emotional intelligence (R² = .037, p > .05). Independent t-tests showed males scored higher than females on self-esteem (t = 3.12, p < .01), personality traits (t = 2.89, p < .05), and emotional intelligence (t = 2.45, p < .05). ANOVA revealed significant birth-order differences in self-esteem (F = 4.32, p < .01). Findings suggest cultural and familial dynamics in Lahore may mediate birth order effects, contrasting with Adlerian theories. Limitations include a small, region specific sample.