www.ijcrt.org © 2024 IJCRT | Volume 12, Issue 5 May 2024 | ISSN: 2320-2882 IJCRT2405937 International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT)www.ijcrt.org i586 UNDERSTANDING ‘ELDEST DAUGHTER SYNDROME’ Deshna Chatterjee 1 1 Undergraduate Student, Department of Psychology, Asutosh College, University of Calcutta ABSTRACT Elder Daughter Syndrome (EDS) is a psychological and social phenomenon known to exert influence on firstborn daughters who endure incommensurate responsibilities within their families. To gain an understanding of the causes, manifestations, and impacts of EDS on mental health and socioemotional development, this review paper aims to synthesize the existing literature on the subject to provide a comprehensive overview. Drawing on research from the fields of anthropology, sociology, and psychology, the study examines how cultural, familial, and individual factors interact to cause EDS. Significant factors that shape the life of the eldest daughter include the roles that cultural standards, sibling interactions, and parental expectations play. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the psychological toll, including elevated levels of stress and anxiety, as well as the possible everlasting effects on self-worth and identity development. This study aims to give a thorough understanding of EDS by combining existing research and literature. This will allow healthcare professionals, educators, and legislators to assist those who are suffering. Keywords: Elder Daughter Syndrome, psychological phenomenon, social phenomenon, firstborn daughters, family responsibilities, mental health, socio-emotional development, interdisciplinary perspectives, individual factors, cultural standards, sibling interactions, parental expectations, stress and anxiety, self-worth, and identity formation. INTRODUCTION Eldest Daughter Syndrome (EDS) is a psychosocial phenomenon characterized by a unique coalition of obligations and challenges that first-born daughters often encounter in their families. Behavioral, emotional, and social manifestations stemming from these expectations are encompassed by EDS, which is signified by the disproportionate caregiving and leadership roles they assume. Scholarly investigations indicate that eldest daughters often fulfill the roles of mentors, mediators in family dynamics, and second parents within their families, resulting in considerable strain and anxiety. Comprehending the Eldest Daughter Syndrome is essential for numerous reasons. Primarily, it illuminates the nuanced experiences of first-born daughters, who often shoulder intricate familial responsibilities that may impact their psychological well-being and social- 1 Undergraduate Student, Department of Psychology, Asutosh College, University of Calcutta