The impact of affectionate mothering during childhood on important personality traits has been highlighted in a recent study published in the journal American Psychologist. The research suggests that positive maternal parenting can influence traits such as openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness, which in turn may have long-lasting effects on educational achievement, economic success, and overall health and well-being.
Lead author of the study, Jasmin Wertz, Ph.D., emphasized the significance of personality traits in predicting various life outcomes. The study focused on the Big Five personality traits—extraversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism—and how maternal affection in early childhood (specifically between the ages of 5 and 10) predicted these traits in young adulthood.
The research analyzed data from 2,232 British identical twins who were followed from birth to age 18. By comparing identical twins raised in the same family, the study aimed to control for genetic and environmental factors. Home visits were conducted with the twins’ mothers, during which observers rated the warmth and affection expressed by the mothers.
The results revealed that twins whose mothers showed more warmth during childhood were rated as more open, conscientious, and agreeable as young adults. These findings suggest that positive, affectionate mothering can have a lasting impact on key personality traits associated with success in later life.
While the study did not find significant associations between maternal affection and extraversion or neuroticism, it underscored the importance of considering both genetic and environmental factors in shaping personality traits. Wertz emphasized the potential of parenting programs to influence personality development and highlighted the need for nuanced understanding of how different factors interact to shape individuals.
The research has practical implications for policymakers and practitioners in education, family welfare, and mental health. Interventions aimed at promoting affectionate parenting could contribute to improving educational outcomes, mental health, and social well-being on a broader scale. By targeting parenting practices that foster positive traits in childhood, it may be possible to reduce disparities in life outcomes associated with socioeconomic background and other environmental factors.
Overall, the study sheds light on the lasting impact of affectionate mothering on personality development and emphasizes the importance of nurturing positive traits from early childhood. The findings provide valuable insights for promoting positive personality traits and addressing inequalities in personality development through targeted interventions and parental training models.
