We’ve all heard about how middle child syndrome can brew up feelings of neglect and isolation that children many carry into adulthood. But is it actually true?

Research, which ironically is thinner on the ground for middle children compared with the eldest and youngest, is divided. One study from Stanford University claims that as a result of being neither the celebrated first-born nor the forever babied youngest, the middle child becomes the most envious, least bold and less talkative sibling.

Others however, have found middle children to be the most sociable, the most flexible and the most co-operative of their siblings. Katrin Schumann, an educational consultant and co-author of book The Secret Power Of Middle Children, told MailOnline:

“We discovered during our research, the stereotype does not correspond to reality. Far from being doomed to failure and loneliness, middle children are more likely than their siblings to be successful and enjoy strong social lives and flourishing careers.”

Famous middle children include Stella McCartney, Madonna, Julia Roberts, Martin Luther King and Bill Gates.

Key characteristics:

Adaptable
Sociable
Diplomatic
Quiet

Diplomatic middle child or high-flying eldest? What your ranking in the family pecking order says about you