Elterliche Ungleichbehandlung in Kindheit und Jugend aus der Perspektive des mittleren Erwachsenenalters

Analyzed the structure and extent of recalled differential parental treatment in a sample of 1,208 subjects (Ss) aged 40-54 yrs. In addition, equity-theoretical predictions concerning potential consequences for relationship quality to siblings and parents were tested. Ss had to rate with respect to themselves as well as a selected sibling how often they had received various forms of maternal and paternal treatment when growing up. Factor analyses of difference scores (own minus sibling) revealed 2 dimensions of both maternal and paternal treatment, which grouped differential parental behavior with respect to differential support and differential strictness. Results of hierarchic cluster analyses showed that a group of "equally treated" (80.4% of the sample), "disadvantaged" (13.2%), and "favored" Ss (6.4%) could be identified with respect to paternal differential treatment; a group of "equally treated" (87%) and a group of "disadvantaged" Ss (13%) emerged with respect to maternal treatment. Analyses of variance revealed that "disadvantaged" children reported less current attachment/closeness to parents and siblings as well as less willingness to support parents and siblings than "equally treated" and "favored" children.