Affectionate and supportive parenting during early childhood may significantly influence the development of vital personality traits—traits that are closely tied to success in education, work, and overall well-being—according to a new study published by the American Psychological Association.
The research, led by Dr. Jasmin Wertz of the University of Edinburgh and published in the journal American Psychologist, indicates that maternal warmth between the ages of 5 and 10 is associated with increased levels of openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness by age 18. These characteristics, part of the widely studied “Big Five” personality traits, are known predictors of long-term life outcomes.
“Personality traits are strong indicators of success in various domains, from academics to health,” said Wertz. “Our findings suggest that nurturing parenting environments during early development may play a small but meaningful role in shaping these crucial traits.”
To reach their conclusions, Wertz and her colleagues analyzed data from the Environmental Risk Longitudinal Twins Study, which followed 2,232 British identical twins—just over half of them female—from birth through adolescence. Using this twin sample allowed the researchers to control for shared genetic and environmental factors, isolating the influence of maternal behavior.
During childhood, the twins’ mothers participated in home interviews where they spoke about their children. Trained observers then rated the mothers’ comments for warmth and affection. The team later assessed the twins’ personalities at age 18 using standard psychological measures of the Big Five traits: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism (emotional stability), and openness to experience.
The study found that children who received more maternal warmth were more likely to score higher in openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness. These traits are linked to a wide array of favorable outcomes, including educational attainment, career success, and stronger social relationships.
However, the study did not find a significant long-term relationship between maternal affection and the traits of extraversion or neuroticism. This suggests that other factors—such as peer influences, life events, or interventions later in life—may play a more prominent role in shaping those aspects of personality.
The implications of the research are far-reaching, highlighting the potential of parenting interventions and public policies aimed at enhancing child development. “Even modest improvements in personality traits like conscientiousness could have large-scale societal benefits,” Wertz noted, “particularly because this trait is so closely tied to health, academic achievement, and economic stability.”
Wertz emphasized the importance of adopting a multifaceted approach to personality development that accounts for both inherited and environmental factors. “This research supports the case for parenting programs, but it also calls for a nuanced understanding of how personality is shaped by complex interactions over time.”
The findings may also offer guidance for educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers. Wertz pointed to a range of existing strategies that could help foster affectionate parenting, from economic support and access to mental health treatment for parents, to evidence-based parenting programs designed to strengthen parent-child bonds.
Importantly, the study highlights how parenting practices can help address social inequalities. “By promoting positive parenting strategies, we may be able to reduce disparities in personality development linked to socioeconomic background and family structure,” Wertz said.
The study reinforces the view that early childhood is a critical window for shaping long-term psychological development—and that the ripple effects of warm, affectionate parenting may extend well into adulthood and across generations.
Related topics:
Mental Health Disorders Linked to Lower Parenthood Rates in Finland
Hearing Issues Linked to Reading Struggles and Mental Health
Study Reveals Twins Start Smaller in Pregnancy Than Previously Known
