Study Reveals Parents Often Favor Daughters and Conscientious Children

New research highlights patterns of parental favoritism and its impact on children's mental health and family dynamics.

A meta-analysis of 30 studies involving over 19,000 participants found that parents tend to favor daughters and children with conscientious or agreeable traits.
Older siblings often receive more autonomy and less control from parents, while younger siblings may experience stricter rules.
Children who receive preferential treatment tend to have better mental health, academic performance, and emotional regulation, but may also face challenges like overindulgence or pressure to perform.
Less-favored children are at higher risk for mental health issues, strained family relationships, and behavioral problems in both childhood and adulthood.
Researchers encourage parents to reflect on their behavior, ensure fair treatment, and communicate openly with children to mitigate potential negative effects of favoritism.