Parental favoritism is very real and influenced by factors such as gender, personality and the birth order of children, according to researchers.
- Girls are often favored, both by mothers and fathers. Additionally, conscientious children – judged responsible and organized – tend to receive more positive interactions.
- Elderly people, often perceived as more mature, generally benefit from more autonomy. For their part, the cadets or youngest may feel less pressure, but also a feeling of inequality.
- This favoritism can have negative effects on less advantaged children: they are more exposed to mental health problems and family tensions.
Have you ever suspected your parents of having a favorite child among their siblings? If they would swear to you of course not, a new study published in the Psychological Bulletin reveals that this favoritism is very real and influenced by factors such as the gender, character and birth order of children.
What influences favoritism?
According to Alexander Jensen, professor at Brigham Young University (United States), this study provides a better understanding of why some children receive preferential treatment. He and his team of researchers analyzed around thirty scientific articles and data from nearly 20,000 participants to explore the links between personality traits, birth order and gender.
The results show that girls are often favored, both by mothers and fathers. Additionally, conscientious children – judged responsible and organized – tend to receive more positive interactions. Contrary to what scientists thought, extroversion, although socially appreciated, does not seem to play a significant role in family favoritism, according to a press release.
Different treatment depending on birth order
Birth order also influences parent-child relationships. Elderly people, often perceived as more mature, generally benefit from more autonomy. For their part, younger or younger children may feel less pressure than their older brothers or sisters, but also a feeling of inequality.
This favoritism can have negative effects on less advantaged children: they are more exposed to mental health problems and family tensions. As Alexander Jensen explains, “Understanding these nuances can help parents and healthcare professionals identify potentially harmful family patterns.”
How to avoid pitfalls?
Researchers encourage parents to be mindful of their own biases to ensure each child feels equal love and support. Although this study highlights areas where parents could improve their interactions, it remains correlational and is not sufficient to explain why certain children are favored, the authors temper.
Parental favoritism is in fact a complex phenomenon, influenced by multiple factors such as responsibility, temperament, or even ease of management. The next time you wonder if your sibling is the “sweetheart,” remember that there are often more subtleties behind parental preferences.
