Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure
Published on: September 19, 2019
The Role of Perceived Maternal Favoritism in Sibling Relations in Midlife
J Jill Suitor1, Jori Sechrist, Mari Plikuhn
1Department of Sociology, Purdue University, 700 W State St, West Lafayette IN, 47907, jsuitor@purdue.edu , 765-496-1718.
Abstract:
Data were collected from 708 adult children nested within 274 later-life families from the Within-Family Differences Study to explore the role of perceived maternal favoritism in the quality of sibling relations in midlife. Mixed-model analyses revealed that regardless of which sibling was favored, perceptions of current favoritism and recollections of favoritism in childhood reduced closeness among siblings. Recollections of maternal favoritism in childhood were more important than perceptions of current favoritism in predicting tension among adult siblings, regardless of age. Taken together, the findings from this investigation are consistent with childhood studies showing that siblings have better relationships when they believe that they are treated equitably by their parents.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings
Adler's Individual Psychology
Relationship Formation
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Friendships and Close Friendships

