"Life still isn't fair": Parental differential treatment of siblings during emerging adulthood
Abstract
Parental differential treatment (PDT) has been linked to individual and relational outcomes in childhood, adolescence, and middle adulthood, but previously has not been examined in young adulthood. Data were collected using reports from families with at least two young adult offspring. Two siblings in each family reported on individual mental health, sibling relationships, and treatment from both mothers and fathers. Several findings were consistent with hypotheses; offspring who received favored treatment (i.e., more warmth or less conflict) reported fewer depressive symptoms and higher life satisfaction. Results for differential support were more complex. Mothers provided more support to offspring reporting more depressive symptoms, whereas fathers provided more support to offspring reporting fewer depressive symptoms. Associations between PDT and sibling relationships were mixed, with most models suggesting PDT was linked to greater distancing the sibling relationship. Several models revealed that offspring gender and dyadic gender composition moderated some associations with PDT. Discussion focused on links between PDT and individual and relational outcomes as well as the influence of maternal PDT compared to paternal PDT.
Degree
M.S.
Advisors
Whiteman, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Individual & family studies
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