The question is slightly taboo: parents generally have a favorite child, recalls Discover Magazine, which is based on a recent study published in the Psychology Bulletin. The latest work carried out on the subject not only confirm this idea, but also to understand that there is a standard profile of the darling child.
This very serious study poses questions related to the well-being of the youngest: “The differentiated treatment of parents can have lasting consequences on children”said Alexander Jensen, author of the study and associate professor at Brigham Young University, in a press release. “This study helps us to understand which children are most likely to be subject to favoritism.”
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Tens of years of research have shown that differences in treatment can be harmful for children. Studies prove that children benefiting from preferential treatment on the part of their parents tend to have better mental health and healthier relationships. On the other hand, less -favored children tend to feel less well and have less good interactions with others. They also have academic success and reduced self -regulation capacities.
After having peeled around thirty studies existing on the subject as well as fourteen databases (for a total of 19,000 children concerned), the researchers tried to establish the criteria that seem to be linked to the fact that a child is the favorite of his parents. They ended up stating a very simple first criterion: it is generally a girl. In addition, an applied and conscientious child is much more likely to have the favors of his parents. It is undoubtedly a vicious or virtuous circle, from the point of view: the less we are loved, the less we risk being careful.
On the other hand, parental favoritism does not seem to be linked to the position in siblings. Depending on the type of education provided, the elder or the youngest can occupy the darling position, but nothing really seems frozen, contrary to what children believe – if the favorite is the other. Likewise, the temperament does not seem to be taken into account.
“It is important to note that this research is correlational: it does not tell us why parents favor certain children”underlines Alexander Jensen. “However, it highlights potential areas in which parents may have to be more attentive to their interactions with their children. (…) LAs soon as you wonder if your brother or sister is the favorite child, Remember that there are probably more things that happen behind the scenes than a simple preference for the elder or the cadet. ”
