A child's place in the family birth order may play a role in the type of occupations that will interest him or her as an adult. In two related studies, researchers at Ohio State University, Columbus, found that only children--and, to a certain extent, first-born ones--were more interested in intellectual, cognitive pursuits than later-born offspring were. In contrast, later-born children more likely leaned toward artistic and outdoors-related careers. These results fit into theories that say a child’s place in family birth order will influence personality, indicates professor of psychology Frederick T.L. Leong. "Parents typically place different demands and have different expectations of children depending on their birth order. For example, parents may be extremely protective of only children and worry about their physical safety. That may be why only children are more likely to show interest in academic pursuits rather than physical or outdoor activities. In addition, those who are an only child will tend to get more time and attention from their parents than children with siblings." Parents may also encourage only or first-born offspring to pursue interests that could lead to a prestigious career like lawyer or doctor. That may be why later-born ones are more likely to show interests in artistic careers. "As they have more children, parents tend to become more open and relaxed, and that may allow younger children to be more risk-taking," Leong explains. "If the first-born or only child wants to be a poet that may concern parents. But by the fourth child, parents may not mind as much."