London, Dec 28 (IANS) Even as many people may worry that of their three children the middle-born might get overshadowed and overlooked, a study contrarily found it is this very child who is likely to grow up being successful and well-adjusted adult.

Researchers found that middle-children's place in the family helps them develop negotiation and communication skills, far away from being apathetic or withdrawn, the Daily Mail reported.

Psychologist Catherine Salmon claims that middle siblings are more likely to "become agents of change in business, politics and science" - a conclusion that high-profile middle children such as Madonna and Bill Gates would probably support.

And they are also more likely to be faithful spouses, have the drive to succeed in the workplace and be motivated by fairness.

Salmon, a professor who reviewed dozens of studies into the effect of birth order for her book "The Secret Power of Middle Children", said: "As children, middles have to wait a lot. Modern middles wait while their younger sibling is loaded into the car seat.

"They wait while the first-born performs in the recital. They wait to be served at the dinner table and complimented for their hard work in school. Middles are accustomed to not getting what they want right away.

"They learn the art of delayed gratification, and this helps them later in life."

Salmon also found that middle-children report feeling more distant from their parents and are more likely to be easily influenced by their friends.