Only Children and Cognitive Ability in Childhood: A Cross‐Cohort Analysis over 50 Years in the United Kingdom

• DOI: 10.1111/padr.12560
• Publication Date: 2023-05-07T06:44:15Z
• Authors: Alice Goisis; Jenny Chanfreau; Vanessa Moulton; George B. Ploubidis
• Keywords: Disadvantage

Abstract Only children's uniqueness has intrigued researchers for decades, but many gaps in knowledge remain as to whether only children differ from who have siblings. We use data four British birth cohorts (born 1946, 1958, 1970, 2000–2002) investigate cross‐cohort differences the composition of child families and association between being an cognitive ability childhood changed over time. show similar scores two higher than with or more siblings across each analyzed. However, results also that—consistent finding that, cohorts, group become associated social disadvantage—the “only advantage” weakened when comparing most recent cohort older ones. Adjustment by family sociodemographic characteristics attenuates within differences. Moreover, that advantages vary considerably member been exposed parental separation is growing up a lower socioeconomic status. The highlight diversity whose are conditional on changes throughout time society.