![Analysis Shows Parents Favor Certain Children: Insights into Their Preferences](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2025/01/20/550x309/parents_1737339160116_1737339160291.jpg)
Analysis Shows Parents Favor Certain Children: Insights into Their Preferences
26 days ago | 5 Views
Siblings frequently inquire of their parents regarding whom they love more, to which the parents typically reply that their affection is equally distributed among all. Sibling rivalry may also manifest in playful disputes, with each sibling teasing the other through lighthearted jokes about being "adopted from a dump." A study featured in the Psychological Bulletin has confirmed the existence of parental favouritism, uncovering intriguing findings about how factors such as birth order, gender, and personality can affect a parent's treatment of their children, often without their conscious awareness.
Grounds for favouritism
![Siblings may get upset over treatments of favouritism.](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2025/01/20/original/favouritism_1737339363988.jpg)
The research identified the factors contributing to favouritism, which include birth order, gender, and personality traits.
Regarding birth order, the findings indicate that younger siblings frequently receive preferential treatment, whereas older siblings typically experience increased independence and reduced parental oversight as they mature.
In terms of gender-based favouritism, the study reveals that parents tend to show a slight preference for their daughters over their sons. While children may remain oblivious to this bias, parents themselves may be aware of it.
Finally, concerning personality-driven favouritism, children who exhibit agreeable and responsible traits are often favoured. Their cooperative and accommodating nature makes them easier for parents to engage with, leading to more favourable treatment.
These patterns facilitate a stronger connection between parents and their children compared to their interactions with others.
Understanding individualised needs
The author of the study, Alex Jensen, highlighted the significant impact of childhood relationships on an individual's development. The research further underscored the necessity for parents to address their children's perceptions of unfairness related to favouritism. When a child expresses concerns about favouritism, it may indicate a need for greater empathy or suggest that adjustments in parenting strategies are warranted. If these feelings are not acknowledged, they could potentially have detrimental effects on the child's mental well-being.
While parents often strive to treat all their children equally, it is essential to recognize that each child possesses distinct strengths and characteristics that necessitate tailored approaches. Rather than applying a uniform standard to all children, parents should prioritize the unique needs of each child, taking into account their personalities, interests, and emotional needs. This approach can foster a sense of value and support for each child.
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# Parents # Children # Mentalhealth