How does parental favoritism influence the less favored child's self-confidence and personal goals?: A narrative inquiry

Abstract

Parental favoritism exists throughout the life span, affecting households with more than one child. Children often perceive disfavoritism if a parent(s) differentiates their interactions with one child relative to another child(ren) (i.e., affection, attention, resources, etc.). Scholars have examined different factors such as less favored children’s self-esteem, psychological well-being, parent-child relationships, sibling relationships, romantic relationships, and caregiving for elderly parent(s). Yet, scholars have not explored the effects of parental favoritism on less favored children’s self-confidence. Therefore, a narrative inquiry approach was used to explore the lives of individuals who perceive themselves as the child less favored by their parent(s) in a nuclear family context. The current study examined whether: (1) differential parental treatment (PDT) influenced the less favored child's self-confidence and personal goals and (2) the implications parental favoritism holds for the less favored child. The resulting sample consisted of thirteen undergraduate female students between 18 to 25 years of age. Participants consisted of individuals who identified as whites (6), Asian (4), African American (2), and Hispanic (1). Five themes emerged from the data analyses: Perceived Reasons for Differential Treatment, Favoritism Displayed by Parent(s), Favored Sibling(s), Relationships, and How the Less Favored Child Views Themselves. In addition, findings highlight the importance of studying the self-confidence of emerging adults who perceived disfavoritism during childhood through adolescence. Finally, recommendations are made for parent(s) and caregivers, health practitioners, community leaders, and future researchers.