First Ordinal Birth Position in the Family and Resilient Identity of Adolescents in Bamenda II Subdivision

Aim: This study investigated the influence of "First Ordinal Birth Position in the Family on the Resilient Identity of Adolescents" in the Bamenda II Sub-division of the Northwest Region of Cameroon. Specifically, it sets out to find out how the first ordinal birth position of adolescents in their families influences their resilient identity.Methods: A concurrent nested mixed-method research design was adopted in this study. In this light, both the quantitative and qualitative research paradigms were adopted. A total of 200 adolescents within the age range of 12 to 19 years were selected as sample using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Krejie and Morgan's table of calculation was used to calculate the sample size. A questionnaire with a four-point Likert scale, and structured and closed-ended questions was used to collect quantitative data from adolescents and a Focused Group Discussion guide was used to collect qualitative data from parents. Inferential statistics were calculated using the Omnibus test of Model coefficient and all statistics were presented at the 95% confidence level (CL). The regression test was used to test hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. Reliability was calculated using Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient which ranged from 0.684 to 0.774. Results: The findings indicated that there is a significant influence on the first-birth position and the psychological resilience of adolescents as they enjoy first-born privileges and equally perform different responsibilities assigned to first-birth position children only. These findings highlight the significant role of birth order in shaping adolescent resilience and the need for targeted interventions by parents, educators, and policymakers. Conclusion: The study conclude that the first ordinal birth position influences the resilient identity of adolescents. Recommendations: Policy policymakers should come up with guidelines for parents and adolescents on how to manage their families for sustainable development and the psychological well-being of adolescents. Teachers, and counsellors should identify values which will build adolescents self-esteem, resilience and teach them in the classroom. Adolescents should also be sensitized on how to develop coping and resilient identity skills.