What influences which child becomes the favorite

Image credit: souvenirpixels via Unsplash

A recent study published by the American Psychological Association suggests that many parents may naturally feel more closely aligned with one child over another. Drawing from a meta-analysis involving over 19,000 individuals, the findings show that daughters and children who are more conscientious and agreeable often receive more positive attention. The researchers found that factors such as gender, birth order, and a child’s temperament can influence which child may receive more attention or support. While not always intentional or obvious, these preferences can shape family dynamics and offer insight into how parents relate differently to each of their children.

Source

Jensen, A. C., & Jorgensen-Wells, M. A. (2025). Parents favor daughters: A meta-analysis of gender and other predictors of parental differential treatment. Psychological Bulletin, 151(1), 33–47. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000458

Additional Reading

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2025/02/18/favorite-child-research/

https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/16/health/favorite-child-wellness/index.html

https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/study-on-favourite-children