["Psychological only children"--neuroses and illness behavior in adulthood]

Our first basic hypothesis concerning the increased " overindulgence " of the "only child" according to the psychological definition of the term (hereafter referred to as "only child") and his associated characteristic qualities, e. g. neurotic passiveness , attitudes of indolence and pretension , inclination toward substitute gratification, lack of control, and timid evasion, has not proved valid where our patients are concerned. The "only child" among our patients did not exhibit these qualities any more often than our other neurotic patients. In the male "only child" we observed a conspicuous psychopathologic accentuation with regard to his behaviour in personal attachments. Also, provided that age groupings are the same, he is more often unmarried than other male neurotic patients, and he exhibits patterns of contact and attachment which are characterized by suspicion and remoteness . There is no indication that the "only child" among our patients seeks medical advice earlier or with fewer mental reservations because of his being accustomed to take advantage of outside help. In contrast to expectation, the behaviour of the male "only child" with regard to accepting the assistance of others is characterized by extraordinary reserve. He is not reported ill as often as the other male neurotic patients nor does hospitalization for longer periods of time occur as frequently as with them. This is interpreted as an indication that the male "only child" is "healthier" than other neurotic patients and less frequently tends to inflict injuries upon himself. With regard to his qualifications in school and in his profession the "only child" is particularly advanced. The question is raised as to whether the literary stereotype of the " overindulged " only child is in need of a certain differentiation, at least with respect to the social background of the patient. Our "only-child" patients originate predominantly from lower social strata and do not exhibit the classical attitudes of overindulgence any more often than other neurotic patients. Possibly " overindulged " patients mainly descend from the upper social classes.