Scientists discover that parents really do have a favourite child and it’s usually always one type of person
Topics: Mental Health, Parenting, Life, Science
Stefania Sarrubba
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image
Topics: Mental Health, Parenting, Life, Science
If you feel like your siblings have it easier than you with your parents, a new study on parental favouritism may be an illuminating read to determine why.
Forget preferring the eldest or the youngest, as research published by the American Psychological Association suggests that certain personality traits play a key role in how a parent perceive and act towards their kids.
Alexander Jensen, lead author from Brigham Young University, has delved into the reasons why parents may feel more naturally inclined towards one of their kids.
“For decades, researchers have known that differential treatment from parents can have lasting consequences for children,” Jensen explained in a release.
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“This study helps us understand which children are more likely to be on the receiving end of favouritism which can be both positive and negative.”
After conducting a meta-analysis of 30 studies and 14 databases, which in total included 19,469 participants, Jensen and his team identified why a parent may feel more drawn to one of their children.
While the favouritism is often based on birth order, there are other criteria as well, such as gender, temperament and personality traits, with a particular importance placed on characteristics like extroversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness and neuroticism.
According to this study, published in the journal Psychological Bulletin, parental favouritism can be demonstrated in a number of ways, including how parents interact with their kids, how much money they spend on them and how controlling they are over them.
The researchers considered five key domains - overall treatment, positive interactions, negative interactions, resource allocation, and control - and discovered that parents usually are more lenient towards their most responsible and organised child.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but it appears that parents find conscientious children easier to manage and more mature.
On the other hand, parental favouritism may be damaging to the mental health of the children who receive a different treatment than their VIP siblings.
“Understanding these nuances can help parents and clinicians recognise potentially damaging family patterns,” Jensen said. “It is crucial to ensure all children feel loved and supported.”
In short, conscientious, eldest daughters seem to be the golden stars for parents, but other factors shouldn’t be underestimated.
“The next time you’re left wondering whether your sibling is the golden child, remember there is likely more going on behind the scenes than just a preference for the eldest or youngest,” Jensen reminded readers.
“It might be about responsibility, temperament or just how easy or hard you are to deal with.”