A Study on comparison of psychosocial and psychosomatic problems of a single-child versus a child with sibling(s)

Abstract

Background: With the advent of family planning policies and evolving societal norms, there has been a noticeable shift from large families to single-child families. For a single child, the presence of parents takes on a profound significance while they navigate the world. Conversely, children from larger families often find encouragement from their siblings, thereby fostering independent engagement in the world. Objective: This study investigated the psychosomatic and psychosocial problems of single children in families and compared them with those of children with siblings. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among students in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. A total of 120 single children were randomly selected and used for the study. The control group consisted of a similar number of students who had siblings. Relevant data were obtained using pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires. Results: Out of the 240 students studied, 47 had psychosocial problems which correspond to a prevalence rate of 19.6%. The prevalence of psychological problems was significantly higher in single children than in children with siblings (38/120% vs. 9/120%; odds ratio [OR]: 5.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.6–12.5; P < 0.001). On the other hand, 89 students had psychosomatic problems which correspond to a prevalence rate of 37.1%. The prevalence of psychosomatic problems was significantly higher in single children than in children with siblings (54/120% vs. 35/120%; OR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.2–3.4; P = 0.01). Conclusion: Both psychosocial and psychosomatic problems are more prevalent in single children than in children with siblings. These findings suggest that having no sibling(s) has a negative impact on a child’s mental health.