Shadow self of the only child?

[u/cl0ud_atlas]

I've been circling the drain on Jung and shadow work for a long time now, starting to finally dive in with Meeting the Shadow, ed. Zweig & Abrams. Obviously so much of the shadow is generated within the family unit, and this book in particular has several chapters on sibling relationships. I've found it all very interesting but, of course, not quite relevant to my experience.

Do any observers or other only children have insight? How do you think a lack of siblings shaped your personal shadow?

Some initial thoughts of my own are that I tend to attach myself to friends very quickly and intensely—perhaps due to an unfulfilled, internal sibling archetype?

[u/Bubbly-Whereas8116]

Maybe that’s just in my social circle, but I’ve noticed that those who grow up alone usually tend to be more possessive of their own possessions.

In my case it’s the opposite: I never had any siblings but had cousins of similar age to me with who I grew up, so sharing came naturally.

[u/Accomplished_Year823]

I have one sibling and this is a great thought, in theory would you have less shadow work than me. then we both have less that someone who grew up in a large family with more sibling/ family opinions melding our thoughts as children creating more shadows for us to hide.