New research reveals the unique challenges faced by eldest daughters

In recent years, the concept of "eldest daughter syndrome" has gained significant traction, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok. While not a formal medical diagnosis, this phenomenon describes the unique set of challenges and responsibilities often placed upon the firstborn daughter in a family. Now, new studies are shedding light on this experience, confirming what many women have long suspected: big sisters really do have it the worst.

The Science Behind Eldest Daughter Syndrome

Recent research has uncovered fascinating biological and psychological factors that contribute to the eldest daughter experience. A groundbreaking 15-year longitudinal study, led by associate professor of anthropology at UCLA, Molly Fox, found a surprising link between maternal distress during pregnancy and accelerated adrenal puberty in firstborn daughters.

Fox explains, "It's a well-established pattern across the anthropological literature in diverse human societies that older sisters help out with childcare." This biological adaptation appears to prepare eldest daughters for increased responsibilities from an early age.

The study revealed that when mothers experienced psychological distress during pregnancy, their firstborn daughters underwent accelerated adrenal puberty. This process kickstarts cognitive development associated with emotional and behavioral maturity, essentially equipping these girls to take on more adult-like responsibilities.

Interestingly, this effect was not observed in sons or younger daughters, suggesting a unique biological mechanism that primes eldest daughters for caregiving roles.

The Real-World Impact on Eldest Daughters

The effects of this biological predisposition are often clearly visible in family dynamics. Lisa Doucet-Albert, now a managing director for a public-relations firm in Providence, reflects on her experience as an eldest daughter in the 1980s:

"I never ask for help but always provide it. I am definitely a people pleaser and go out of my way to help others, almost like it's my obligation. I also have a hard time setting boundaries and saying no. It's something that I'm constantly working on."

This sentiment echoes the experiences of many eldest daughters who find themselves shouldering significant responsibilities from a young age. These duties often extend beyond typical chores to include caregiving for younger siblings and emotional support for parents.

The Double Standard: Gender and Birth Order

While firstborn children, in general, may face higher expectations, research suggests that eldest daughters bear a disproportionate burden. A survey of nearly 2,000 US parents found that roughly half relied on their older children for caregiving help during the height of COVID-19 lockdowns. Although the survey didn't specify gender, existing research indicates that girls likely did more of the heavy lifting.

Jonathan Westover, who grew up as the sixth of eight children, observed this gender disparity in his own family:

"My eldest sister acted like a third parent throughout much of my childhood. She got defensive about it with my parents and started acting out because they leaned on her so much — more than they should probably, and certainly more than she thought was fair. Even into her adult life, she held that against my parents."

This anecdote highlights the potential long-term psychological impact of placing excessive responsibilities on eldest daughters.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Being the Eldest Daughter

Despite the challenges, being an eldest daughter isn't without its advantages. Research has shown that firstborn girls tend to be the most ambitious and successful children in their families. A 2014 study by University of Essex researchers found that eldest daughters often achieve higher levels of academic and professional success compared to their siblings.

Additionally, the caregiving role can foster stronger sibling bonds. Westover notes, "I have a closer relationship with her, to this day, than I do with many of my other older siblings."

However, these benefits must be weighed against the potential drawbacks. Pamela Jakiela, an associate professor of economics at Williams College, warns:

"If girls are prevented from achieving their academic potential because they are required to provide childcare support, that is a big problem."

The pressure to excel academically while also managing significant family responsibilities can lead to stress, burnout, and resentment.

Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Eldest Daughter Syndrome

As awareness of eldest daughter syndrome grows, many parents are seeking ways to break the cycle and create more equitable family dynamics. Westover, now a father of six, shares his approach:

"We try not to put a burden on our kids to take care of things that are our responsibility. If we do have the kids helping, we make sure that they're helping equally. We're not making the girls do all of one thing and the boys do all of another thing."

Experts emphasize the importance of balance. Lenette Azzi-Lessing, an associate professor of social work at Boston University, suggests that feeling competent in adult roles can boost self-confidence in older children. However, she cautions against allowing family responsibilities to interfere with a child's own important activities and social development.

The Broader Implications

The research on eldest daughter syndrome raises important questions about gender roles, family dynamics, and societal expectations. It highlights the need for greater support for parents, particularly in times of stress or hardship, to prevent the overburdening of eldest daughters.

Moreover, it underscores the importance of recognizing and validating the experiences of eldest daughters. As the conversation around this phenomenon continues to grow, many women are finding solace and understanding in shared experiences.

The emerging research on eldest daughter syndrome provides scientific validation for what many women have long felt intuitively. While being the eldest daughter can confer certain advantages, it also comes with unique challenges that can have lasting psychological impacts.

As we continue to unravel the complexities of family dynamics and birth order effects, it's crucial to approach the topic with nuance and empathy. By recognizing the potential burdens placed on eldest daughters, families and society at large can work towards creating more equitable and supportive environments for all children, regardless of their birth order or gender.

Ultimately, the goal should be to harness the strengths that come with being an eldest daughter while mitigating the potential negative impacts. As Fox's research suggests, the biological predisposition of eldest daughters to take on caregiving roles may have evolutionary advantages, but in our modern context, it's essential to ensure that these responsibilities don't come at the cost of personal development and well-being.

By fostering open conversations about family roles, challenging traditional gender expectations, and providing adequate support for parents, we can work towards a future where being the eldest daughter is a source of strength and pride, rather than an undue burden.