Research indicates that parental favoritism often favors daughters, with many children unaware of this bias. A study analyzing nearly 20,000 participants highlights the positive effects of favoritism on favored children, including better mental health and career success. However, those feeling less favored may encounter developmental challenges. The findings urge parents to recognize their behaviors and communicate openly, ensuring all children feel loved and supported, regardless of perceived preferences.
Understanding Parental Preferences Among Siblings
Do parents have a favorite child, and if so, who is it? This intriguing question has been explored by two researchers, revealing that daughters are often the preferred choice. Surprisingly, both favored children and their siblings frequently remain unaware of this preference.
In a comprehensive study published in the journal ‘Psychological Bulletin’, a research team from the US and Canada analyzed 30 different studies involving nearly 20,000 participants, primarily from Western Europe and the USA. Lead author Alexander Jensen from Brigham Young University highlights that unequal treatment from parents can have lasting effects on children, emphasizing the importance of understanding which children may be favored and the potential impacts—both positive and negative—this may entail.
The Impact of Favoritism on Child Development
Research indicates that children who enjoy parental favoritism often demonstrate greater psychological stability, achieve higher career success, maintain more enduring relationships, and experience fewer behavioral issues. In contrast, those who feel less favored may face a variety of developmental challenges, including poorer mental health and strained family dynamics.
Although Jensen and co-author McKell Jorgensen-Wells note that the dynamics of favoritism have not been thoroughly examined, their findings suggest a slight preference for daughters among parents, a tendency observed in both mothers and fathers. Interestingly, the children themselves do not perceive any favoritism, indicating a disconnect between parental behavior and children’s perceptions.
The study also revealed that conscientious and responsible children tend to be favored, as they typically experience fewer conflicts with their parents. While these effects are only mildly pronounced, the authors stress the importance for parents to be aware of their behavior.
In a world filled with crises—from the pandemic to climate change—children and adolescents are often burdened by these ongoing challenges. Sociologist Martin Diewald from the University of Bielefeld praises the study, noting its unique approach of comparing actual siblings rather than children from different families. Diewald suggests that parents may unconsciously favor sociable children, as their behavior tends to facilitate smoother interactions.
However, this does not imply that parents love their other children any less. In fact, parents may offer additional support to a seemingly less advantaged child to ensure they have equal opportunities in life. Many women relate to the concept of the ‘Eldest Daughter Syndrome’, which can bring its own set of challenges.
It’s essential for children to understand that favoritism often occurs without intent. Diewald emphasizes that perceived slights are frequently unintentional, and that parents strive to treat their children fairly. To prevent misunderstandings, parents should aim to communicate openly about their behaviors. Lead author Jensen echoes this sentiment, stating that it is vital for all children to feel loved and supported, regardless of perceived favoritism.