It is the silent tension at every family dinner, the unspoken dynamic that shadows sibling relationships for decades: Is there a favorite child? For years, parents have vehemently denied it, but a groundbreaking new analysis released this week suggests otherwise. On January 20, 2026, a high-profile meta-analysis published in the Psychological Bulletin confirmed what many children have long suspected—most parents do indeed have a "chosen one." This revelation is not just settling old family scores; it is shedding light on a growing parental favoritism mental health crisis that experts warn can fuel anxiety and sibling rivalry effects on adults long after they leave the nest.

The New Data: Who Is the ‘Chosen One’?

The study, led by Dr. Alexander Jensen of Brigham Young University’s School of Family Life, is one of the most comprehensive of its kind. By analyzing data from over 30 studies involving nearly 20,000 participants, the researchers uncovered a consistent pattern of preferential treatment that cuts across cultures. The findings, which have dominated family psychology trends this week, paint a surprising picture of who is most likely to hold the title of "favorite."

Contrary to the old belief that fathers favor sons and mothers favor daughters, the new data reveals that both parents are statistically more likely to favor daughters. Additionally, the "chosen one" is often the child who is perceived as more "conscientious"—organized, responsible, and agreeable. Younger siblings also tend to receive more favorable treatment than their older counterparts.

"It isn't necessarily about who parents love more in a deep, existential sense," Dr. Jensen explained in an interview regarding the findings. "It is often about who is easier to parent in the moment." This subtle bias toward the path of least resistance creates a feedback loop where the "easy" child receives more warmth and fewer conflicts, solidifying their status as the favorite.

Perceived Inequity: A Mental Health Trigger

While the existence of a favorite child is validating for some and vindicating for others, the implications for healthy parenting dynamics are serious. The study highlights a critical psychological concept: perceived inequity. The data suggests that the objective reality of favoritism matters less than whether a child feels less favored. This perception is a potent predictor of poor mental health outcomes.

Children who perceive themselves as the "black sheep" or even just second-best are at a significantly higher risk for internalizing disorders. As we move further into 2026, psychologists are seeing a correlation between these early family dynamics and a spike in adult anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The "less favored" status can become a core part of a child's identity, leading to a lifelong struggle for validation.

The Burden of Being the Favorite

It is not just the overlooked siblings who suffer. Being the favorite child study 2026 data shows, comes with its own heavy price. The "chosen one" often feels immense pressure to maintain their pedestal status. This can lead to perfectionism and a fear of failure, as their parental approval feels conditional on their "good behavior" or success. This dynamic creates a no-win situation where every sibling in the family unit carries emotional baggage from the imbalance.

Sibling Rivalry Effects on Adults

One of the most damaging byproducts of parental favoritism is the erosion of the sibling bond. When resources—whether emotional (praise, attention) or material—are viewed as scarce and unevenly distributed, siblings become competitors rather than allies. This rivalry rarely ends in childhood.

Recent reports accompanying the study indicate that sibling rivalry effects on adults are more profound than previously realized. Adult siblings may struggle to trust one another or may harbor resentment that resurfaces during stressful family events, such as caretaking for aging parents. The "favorite" label can drive a permanent wedge between brothers and sisters, preventing the formation of a supportive adult relationship.

Correcting the Course: Parenting Tips for Siblings

So, what can parents do? The goal isn't to achieve robotic equality—which is impossible—but to foster perceived fairness. Experts reacting to the January 20 findings offer several parenting tips for siblings to help mitigate these risks:

  • Acknowledge the Elephant in the Room: If a child claims you are playing favorites, don't immediately dismiss it. Listen to their perspective. As Dr. Jensen notes, "Your children will let you know if they think something is unfair." Validate their feelings rather than defending your actions.
  • Focus on Individual Needs, Not Equal Things: Fairness doesn't mean everyone gets the exact same thing; it means everyone gets what they need. Explain this distinction to your children.
  • Rotate the "Spotlight": Make a conscious effort to spend one-on-one time with each child, engaging in activities they enjoy. This builds a unique connection independent of their siblings.
  • Check Your Biases: Be honest with yourself. Do you find yourself being harder on your older child? Do you give your daughter a pass because she's "sweet"? Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward breaking them.

The confirmation that the "favorite child" phenomenon is real should not induce guilt, but rather awareness. By understanding these natural inclinations, parents can work to ensure that no child feels like a second-class citizen in their own home.