Parents Really Do Have Favorite Children, Study Finds [Video]

Parents really do have favorite children, and these tend to be daughters, first-borns and those who display conscientious traits, according to a meta-analysis published today by the American Psychological Association.

“A couple of studies from the past suggested that mothers favor daughters and fathers favor sons,” lead author Associate Professor Alexander Jensen, at Brigham Young University’s School of Family Life, told Newsweek. “I’ve taught that in my classes.

“So, I was very surprised that both mothers and fathers favored daughters. I wish we had data over a long period of time to see if that has changed over the decades.”

Jensen said it was important to keep in mind that the study looked at preferential treatment towards children—for instance affection, conflict, time and resources given to each child—rather than whether parents internally liked one child better than another.

“This study helps us understand which children are more likely to be on the receiving end of favoritism, which …