Do Parents Really Have Favorite Children? New Research Unpacks the Truth

Do parents really pick favorites? According to a recent study from Brigham Young University (BYU), the answer is yes — but the reasons behind it might surprise you. Researchers examined the phenomenon known as parental differential treatment (PDT) by analyzing a wealth of existing studies conducted between August 2015 and April 2022. After starting with 243 studies, they narrowed it down to a final pool of 30, supplemented by 14 additional datasets from researchers worldwide.

The findings, published in the journal Psychological Bulletin, reveal intriguing patterns tied to factors like gender, birth order, and personality traits. One standout conclusion? Daughters tend to receive preferential treatment from both mothers and fathers — a revelation that even surprised lead researcher Alex Jensen. "We thought fathers would favor sons," Jensen told Fox News Digital. Evolutionary reasons might explain this, as daughters in modern western societies are more likely to care for aging parents. "Parents may be storing up ‘social capital’ with daughters," Jensen added.

Interestingly, birth order plays a role too. Younger siblings often get the royal treatment at home, while older ones are granted more autonomy and freedom — perks that reportedly extend into adulthood. Personality traits also influence favoritism, with agreeable and responsible children earning extra parental points for being "easier to parent." As Jensen noted, "An agreeable child is more likely to do what they are asked, while a conscientious child takes care of homework, chores, and considers the needs of others."

The study suggests that understanding the dynamics of favoritism could help parents connect better with their children. Jensen emphasized the importance of open communication, saying, "Parents should work on being open to hearing the perspective of their kids without being defensive." Another study even hinted that children who understand the reasons behind differential treatment might be less affected by it. Food for thought, right?

Whether you're a parent, sibling, or curious observer, this research is a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of family dynamics. One thing’s clear: favoritism isn’t as simple as it seems, and for many parents, it might not be entirely intentional.