Bigger families may lower teen mental health
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A new study finds that teenagers with more siblings tend to report poorer mental health. The effect was strongest for those with older or closely spaced siblings. Researchers suggest this may be due to resource dilution; as family size grows, each child may receive less parental attention and support, which can affect emotional well-being. The findings highlight how family dynamics and household size can play a significant role in shaping adolescent mental health.
Source
Downey, D. B., & Cao, R. (2023). Number of Siblings and Mental Health Among Adolescents: Evidence From the U.S. and China. Journal of Family Issues, 45(11), 2822-2850. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513X231220045
Additional Reading
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/jan/15/teenagers-siblings-mental-health-study
https://news.osu.edu/more-siblings-mean-poorer-mental-health-for-teens/