Stuck in the middle

Brother and sister duo Stephen and Anita Mangan explore some of the stereotypes and myths around sibling relationships, as they investigate the role of these lifelong bonds throughout our lives, with the help of psychotherapist Philippa Perry.

This week they ask whether Middle Child Syndrome is really a thing? It's often said middle children are ignored or overlooked, but how does Anita feel about being sandwiched between two siblings? While she might have dyed her hair red to stand out from the crowd, the pair hear that middle children might actually be the family peacemakers. But there's also a theory that this ability to get on with everyone is actually a subtle form of manipulation.

For developmental psychologists, the arrival of a second child has important consequences for how siblings relate to each other, and research shows children with siblings develop empathy more quickly than those without.

But while many of us may take our brothers and sisters for granted a shocking one in four people is estranged from their sibling. The Mangans discover that in some cases this might be a good thing, and we shouldn't romanticise what are often our most tricky relationships.

Presenters: Stephen Mangan, Anita Mangan
Producer: Marijke Peters
Executive Producer: Sasha Feachem
A BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4