Parents DO Have a Favorite Child: Research Reveals Impact on Siblings

• Research indicates that parental favoritism is common, despite parents claiming otherwise.
• A study by J. Jill Suitor at Purdue University found nearly two-thirds of parents had a preferred child, often consistently over decades.
• Daughters, younger siblings, and children sharing similar values (religious, political) were often favored.
• Unfavored children are more prone to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, strained family ties, and risky teenage behaviors.
• Experts suggest parents openly discuss reasons for differential treatment to mitigate negative effects on children.

Why It Matters: Parental favoritism is widespread and can significantly impact children's mental health and family dynamics.