Sibling Comparison of Differential Parental Treatment in Adolescence: Gender, Self‐Esteem, and Emotionality as Mediators of the Parenting‐Adjustment Association
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This study employs findings from social comparison research to investigate adolescents' comparisons with siblings with regard to parental treatment. The sibling comparison hypothesis was tested on a sample of 516 two-child families by examining whether gender, self-esteem, and emotionality — which have been found in previous research to moderate social comparison — also moderate sibling comparison as reflected by siblings' own evaluations of differential parental treatment. Results supported a moderating effect for self-esteem and emotionality but not gender. The sibling comparison process was further examined by using a structural equation model in which parenting toward each child was associated with the adjustment of that child and of the child's sibling. Evidence of the “sibling barricade” effect — that is, parenting toward one child being linked with opposite results on the child's sibling as on the target child — was found in a limited number of cases and interpreted as reflecting a sibling comparison process. For older siblings, emotionality and self-esteem moderated the sibling barricade effect but in the opposite direction as predicted. Results are discussed in terms of older siblings' increased sensitivity to parenting as well as the report of differential parenting reflecting the child's level of comfort and benign understanding of differential parenting, which buffers the child against environmental vicissitudes evoking sibling comparison processes.
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... In part, this is likely to reflect sibling differences in temperament (e.g., negative affect) or behavior problems (e.g., oppositional behavior) that elicit differences in parenting (e.g., Jenkins et al., 2003;Serbin et al., 2015). In addition, this association is also likely to be partly due to social comparison, since children tend to compare themselves with their siblings in order to develop a sense of self, with consequences for their self-esteem and behavior problems (Feinberg et al., 2000;Festinger, 1954). PDT is considered in two main related but distinct ways, favoritism and PDT, each of which provide rather different information. ...
... We found a significant overall association between relative PDT and sibling differences in behavior problems, with the association strongest between parental differential hostility and siblings' differential externalizing problems. Our findings support theories that suggest PDT of siblings may have negative consequences for children's well-being (e.g., Feinberg et al., 2000) and extend them by suggesting that the impact of PDT depends on the type of PDT (stronger for differential hostility than for differential warmth) and type of behavior problems (stronger for differential externalizing than for differential internalizing behavior problems). ...
... Funnel Plot DIFFERENTIAL PARENTAL TREATMENT AND CHILD PROBLEMS that the association between relative PDT and sibling differences in behavior problems might depend on additional other sample and publication characteristics, such as child characteristics or informants. For example, some studies suggest that same-sex siblings may be more affected by PDT because children naturally compare themselves more with others who are more similar to themselves (Feinberg et al., 2000;Wills, 1991). For example, the meta-analysis of Buist et al. (2013) found a stronger association between absolute PDT and internalizing behavior problems, specifically for studies with more boy-boy pairs. ...
Parental differential treatment (PDT) of siblings is associated with differences in children’s behavioral adjustment. The current meta-analysis examined the extent to which associations between relative PDT and sibling differences in behavior problems differ by type of parenting behavior (i.e., differential hostility vs. differential warmth) and type of behavior problems (i.e., differential externalizing vs. internalizing behavior problems). In September 2021, we systematically searched APA PsycInfo and Web of Science, yielding 2,259 unique hits with 19 eligible publications reporting on 215 effect sizes from 13 unique samples. The overall association between relative PDT (i.e., receiving less warmth and more hostility than one’s sibling) and sibling differences in behavior problems was small but significant. Associations were stronger for differential hostility compared to differential warmth and for differential externalizing compared to differential internalizing behavior problems. Particularly marked was the finding that siblings who received more hostility from their parents showed higher levels of externalizing behavior problems. Future research investing in further dismantling the association between within-family PDT and sibling differences in adjustment is warranted to better understand why parents treat siblings differentially and to guide family support initiatives.
... However, maintaining a close sibling relationship can be challenging when siblings have a large age difference, which usually leads to vastly different social circumstances and statuses between siblings [98]. For example, unlike a more equitable relationship with close-age peers, older siblings in large-gap relationships often serve as models for upward comparison [25]. These siblings increasingly spend more time living apart as the older siblings transition out of the parental home to pursue higher education or enter the workforce. ...
... With a larger age gap, sibling rivalry and competition for parent and family resources are less of an issue [60]. The big gap also means the older sibling has more power and high status, and thus can promote modeling [25]. In some regions and cultures, siblings can be a source of support and comfort especially when they have an age gap [9]. ...
Siblings play a crucial and long-lasting role in family connections and relationships. However, with the older sibling transitioning out of their parental home, maintaining a close sibling relationship can be challenging, especially if siblings have a large age difference. We conducted a diary and interview study with nine families in China which have spaced siblings, to identify design opportunities for technology to better support their communication and connection needs. We contribute to the HCI community in three aspects. First, we contribute an empirical understanding of current communication patterns from distributed families with large age gap siblings in China. Second, we identify current facilitation roles, practices, and challenges regarding sibling relationships from different stake-holders' perspectives. Last but not least, we present technological opportunities for supporting the large-gap sibling relationship, informing directions for future research and design for distributed families. CCS CONCEPTS • Human-centered computing → Empirical studies in HCI; Empirical studies in collaborative and social computing; • Social and professional topics → Children.
... Such a barricade is hypothesized to result from social comparison, where the sibling is comparing how their parents treat their sibling versus how they treat them (M. E. Feinberg et al., 2000;Festinger, 1954). ...
... ongitudinal Study of Children and Youth, and the National Longitudinal Study of Youth. The culmination of these studies has revealed evidence that differential parenting behaviors has an adverse impact on all siblings over and beyond the effects of parenting directed at individual siblings (e.g., Boyle et al., 2004;M. Feinberg & Hetherington, 2001;M. E. Feinberg et al., 2000). However, others have not revealed such favorable results. Although E. R. Anderson et al. (1994) found evidence of differential parenting influencing social responsibility and cognitive agency for the focal child, they did not find evidence of social comparison among siblings. Within their data, parental treatment of a sibling was revea ...
Research attempting to uncover sources of nonshared environmental influences on behavioral development has highlighted the importance of differential parenting. One way in which parenting may be conceived of as a nonshared environment but has yet to be fully examined in the literature, is through sibling social comparisons. The current study addresses this gap by conducting a series of sibling barricade models examining whether adolescents are affected by their parents’ behaviors toward their siblings. Analyses of the Add Health data supported findings of prior research indicating that parenting is not consistent across siblings, but rather is individualized. Results of the sibling barricade models revealed that differences in parenting toward one child did not, however, explain differences in antisocial behavior between siblings.
... Alternatively, individuals may enhance their sense of self by comparing themselves to someone they perceive to be inferior in some way (i.e., downward comparison; Whiteman et al., 2011). Given that younger siblings tend to ascribe higher status to an older sibling, we expect younger siblings will most often utilize upward comparisons (Feinberg et al., 2000;Whiteman et al., 2011). For instance, a sport-involved older sibling is often more physically mature and experienced in sport settings. ...
... There are only a handful of studies that directly assess social comparison processes in siblings. Feinberg, Neiderhiser, Simmens, Reiss, and Hetherington (2000) found that social comparison processes depended on birth order, with older siblings more likely to make downward comparisons and younger siblings more likely to make upward comparisons. Others have noted that the implications of social comparison dynamics depend on factors such as age spacing, whether the domain of comparison is important to the individuals involved, and the nature and history of the sibling relationship (e.g., Connidis, 2007;Noller, Conway, & Blakeley-Smith, 2008;Tesser, 1980). ...
Sibling relationships play a crucial role in shaping an individual's development across various dimensions. From early childhood through adulthood, siblings serve as influential socializing agents, introducing individuals to the intricacies of social norms, values, and behaviors within the family context. Drawing upon a synthesis of empirical research and theoretical perspectives, this review examines the dynamic interplay between siblings and its impact on various domains of human development. During early years siblings often serve as a child's first peer group, influencing language acquisition, social cognition, and emotional regulation. Moving into adolescence, the focus shifts towards the role of siblings in identity formation, autonomy development, and the navigation of peer relationships. Importantly, sibling dynamics contribute significantly to the formation of individual identities as siblings differentiate themselves and develop a sense of self within the family unit. Interactions with siblings also lay the groundwork for effective communication skills, conflict resolution abilities, and the foundation of peer relationships. Beyond these immediate impacts, siblings serve as carriers of familial and cultural influences, contributing to the transmission of values, traditions, and moral beliefs. The enduring nature of sibling connections, extending into adulthood, provides a consistent source of support, fostering a sense of continuity and belonging. Overall, sibling relationships play a multifaceted role in fostering personal growth, resilience, and the development of essential life skills, enriching individuals' experiences throughout their lives.
... However, there is evidence found in various studies about the vast differences in terms of behaviours, adjustment, and outcomes (Whiteman et al., 2017). Numerous studies on within-family differences suggested that parental favoritism harms adolescents' mental and psychological well-being and relationships with their siblings in childhood and adolescence (Feinberg et al., 2000). Siblings may be very different from one another, and even if they are raised in the same family, they have distinct experiences with the same parents (Mullineaux et al., 2009;Plomin & Daniels, 1987;. ...
This study aimed to investigate the impact of perceived parental differential treatment (differential paternal control and affection, differential maternal control and affection) on sibling relationships (warmth, conflict, and rivalry) among adolescents. The theory of equity and social comparisons were included in the theoretical framework. The role of demographics was also assessed for the study variables. A correlational design with a purposive-convenient sampling technique was used to collect data from adolescents. A sample of 232 adolescents aged 18 to 24 years (M= 20.84, SD= 1.70) was taken from the main cities of Punjab, Pakistan. SIDE (Daniels & Plomin, 1985) and the ASRQ-S (Stocker et al., 2001) were the measures used in the study. Results revealed a positively related relationship between perceived maternal and paternal affection and sibling warmth and a negative relationship between perceived maternal and paternal control and sibling rivalry and conflict.
... Kowal y Kramer (1997) informaron de que los hermanos mayores, con una media de edad de 13,5 años, consideraban el tratamiento diferencial como más justo que los hermanos menores, de 11,5 años de media, que eran más incapaces de ver cómo el trato diferencial de sus padres podría ser justo. Sin embargo, existe controversia a este respecto, ya que otros autores consideran que un trato menos favorable podría ser más perjudicial y afectar más al ajuste y a las relaciones de los hermanos mayores que a los pequeños, ya que amenaza la posición de mayor estatus de los primogénitos (Feinberg et al., 2000); especialmente si consideramos que parece que los hijos mayores son más vulnerables a la influencia de los padres que los hijos menores (Tamrouti-Makkink et al., 2004). Kowal et al. (2002) estudiaron el control y el afecto diferencial de díadas de hermanos adolescentes y la justicia de dicho control y afecto. ...
Cuando se estudia la parentalidad positiva, no suele tenerse en cuenta la percepción que los hijos/as tienen del comportamiento diferencial de sus padres y madres hacia cada hijo/a. En este trabajo, los objetivos eran analizar las diferencias en problemas externalizantes e internalizantes de los hermanos/as, así como la relación entre afecto, control y justicia del trato de padres y madres, el ajuste entre afecto y control y los problemas externalizantes e internalizantes de hermanos/as adolescentes. Participaron 111 parejas de hermanos/as adolescentes (N = 222), en las que el/la mayor tenía una media de 15,18 años y el/la menor tenía una media de 12,85 años. Se usaron las subescalas de afecto y control del Sibling Inventory of Differential Experience (SIDE), se crearon ad-hoc medidas de la justicia del trato de los progenitores y se usó el Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) para evaluar los problemas internalizantes y externalizantes de los hijos/as. Los resultados indicaron que los hijos/as mayores tenían una media más elevada en problemas internalizantes y los menores en problemas externalizantes. Cuanto más elevado era el control materno de los hijos/as mayores comparado con los/las menores, más problemas externalizantes e internalizantes tenían los/las mayores. En los hijos/as mayores, el ajuste afecto-control de padre y madre se relacionó con menos problemas externalizantes, y el ajuste afecto-control de las madres se relacionó con menos problemas internalizantes. El trato materno percibido como más justo se relacionaba con menos problemas internalizantes y externalizantes de los hijos/as menores. El ajuste afecto-control del padre se relacionó con menos problemas internalizantes de los hijos/as menores. Estos resultados contribuyen al conocimiento del impacto diferencial del comportamiento parental positivo cuando tienen dos hijos/as adolescentes.
Parenting has an important role in the life of children. This research analyzed the significance of the parenting and differential trajectories of the differential effect.
After Jacob's beloved wife Rachel died, Jacob behaved differentially to his sons. His father “..loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours” (Genesis 37:3). So, he gave a beautiful coat only to Joseph, not to his other children.
There are numerous faces of parenting in the contemporary families.
Various strategies can be used to cope with the negative face of the parents' parenting.
The main conclusion is that differential parenting, similarly to ancient times, is a prevalent human behavior in the contemporary times.
In the recent years, the diagnostic possibilities have been validated through scientific research and have shown medicinal value in the diagnostics and the management of conditions associated with the parental behavior in the human life.
Thus, the differential parenting has accompanied humans during the long years of our existence.
