In a family where several children are raised, parents are bound to have favorites. This psychological phenomenon has become the subject of scientific research.
In particular, scientists were interested in how children become favourites and what factors influence this.
The study was conducted by researchers from Brigham Young University (USA) and the University of Western Ontario (Canada).
The results of the work were published on the pages of the scientific publication Psychological Bulletin.
Research by scientists
Psychologists analyzed previously conducted studies, which involved more than 19 thousand volunteers.
It turned out that parents’ special disposition towards one of their children was more often manifested in communication, spending money, and control.
Initially, it was assumed that mothers favor daughters, and fathers favor sons. But in the end, it turned out that in most cases it is the other way around.
What was found out?
It was possible to identify several qualities in children who become favorites.
Parents are more favorable to kind and conscientious children.
In terms of birth order, it turned out that parents treat younger children more warmly, while giving older children more freedom.
However, it was not possible to establish a cause-and-effect relationship.
But the work of scientists has once again confirmed the need for equal treatment of children, so that each family member feels parental love and care.
