The experiences of adult only-children at work: An exploratory study

This dissertation is an exploratory study of the experiences of adult only-children at work. Some research on adult only-children exists but little attention has been given to how adult only-children experience work and group life. The purpose of this study was to identify common themes among adult only-children and their experiences at work and to offer a theoretical framework to give meaning to emergent themes. A semi-structured interview protocol was designed and the data were analyzed using McCracken's (1988) methodology for qualitative research. In depth interviews with ten participants yielded themes related to four salient experiences: (1) living with the only-child identity; (2) being alone; (3) a different socialization process; and (4) relationships to authority and peers. The data suggested that there are both advantages and disadvantages to being an only-child, and that while some shared propensities might exist, adult only-children face the same complex human challenges that most people face. Embedded intergoup relations theory provided the framework for this research and underscored the significance of the use of self (Alderfer, 1987).