Gehlbach, B.A., DiLalla, L.F., & Minor, M. (1996). Relationships among birth order, SES, and play behaviors in five-year-olds. Poster presented to the Conference on Human Development, March, Birmingham, AL.

The relationships among SES, birth order, and play behaviors in five-year-olds were examined. It was expected that SES variables would be related to play behaviors, with children of lower SES backgrounds being more aggressive and less prosocial. Oldest siblings were expected to be more commanding, youngest siblings were expected to be more prosocial, and middle siblings were expected to be less prosocial. Seventy-four children were brought in pairs to a laboratory play room. Play behaviors were rated on a global rating system by trained observers. Boys from higher SES families tended to be more prosocial and less aggressive. Girls were more prosocial during the second half of the play session if their mothers had lower occupation ratings. Girls were also perceived to be less difficult during the second half of the play session if their fathers were more educated. Middle siblings were less prosocial than older and younger siblings. Familiarity with the other child seems to play an important role since the effects in the relationship between SES and play behavior were strongest during the second half of the play session.