Social media has made both finding information and relatable people incredibly easy. It seems everyone has something to say and an audience waiting to hear it.

Recently, The Guardian1 published an article discussing the term “Eldest Daughter Syndrome” and how it’s gone viral on TikTok. The viral video2 showcases Katie Morton, a licensed marriage and family therapist, discussing the Eldest Daughter Syndrome, or EDS, as she calls it.

Essentially, EDS can be defined as the feeling of responsibility felt by the eldest daughter in a familial unit and how it shapes their behavior into adulthood. Although the condition cannot be officially diagnosed, it nevertheless feels very real to those who experience it.

While Morton acknowledges EDS is not an official diagnosis, it’s no less significant to the millions of eldest daughters who have watched, liked, and commented on the video — all finally feeling seen. However, what she doesn’t address is that EDS is a little more complex than simply self-identifying as or being the eldest daughter. Depending on the family, culture, and age gap between siblings, there can be multiple women in the family with EDS, and even men can have it.

As with anything we find on social media, it’s important to do your own research and seek advice from a licensed professional who works directly with you.

Before I explain the deeper nuances of EDS, it’s important to understand that acquiring new data in psychology is difficult. Something will become a “trend,” especially on social media, before there is enough evidence to back it up scientifically.

Eldest Daughter Syndrome affects many, although the stress that occurs is minimized. As the eldest daughter, taking on responsibilities, problem-solving, and going above and beyond feel natural. Some say that, while nurturing........

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