A groundbreaking study from UCLA Health reveals that maternal affection during childhood significantly influences a teenager’s health by shaping their perceptions of social safety. Published in JAMA Psychiatry, the research underscores the long-lasting benefits of affectionate parenting and its impact on adolescent well-being.
The study analyzed data from over 8,500 children participating in the Millennium Cohort Study in the United Kingdom. It found that children who received more affection from their mothers at age three exhibited a greater sense of social safety by age 14. This perception, in turn, correlated with improved physical and mental health outcomes by age 17.
Key findings from the study include:
- Positive Correlation: Children who experienced higher maternal affection reported a more positive perception of social safety at age 14, leading to fewer physical health problems at age 17.
- Social Safety Impact: A perception of social safety at age 14 was linked to less psychological distress and fewer psychiatric issues by age 17.
- Mechanism of Influence: Researchers concluded that social safety schemas—mental frameworks shaped by early interpersonal experiences—play a crucial role in interpreting social situations and relationships.
Dr. Jenna Alley, the lead author of the study, emphasized the significance of these findings: “These are the first results we know of showing that maternal affection can affect the health and well-being of kids years later by influencing how they think about the social world.”
Interestingly, maternal harshness did not predict children’s perceptions of social safety or their health outcomes, indicating that fostering positive interactions may be more beneficial than merely reducing negative ones. Dr. George Slavich, a senior author of the study, suggested that public health campaigns aimed at enhancing affection and social safety perceptions could lead to better health outcomes for adolescents.
The study highlights the importance of nurturing environments in early childhood and suggests that even those who experienced poor maternal care are not doomed to negative outcomes. Instead, focusing on enhancing perceptions of safety and affection can significantly improve lives.
These findings can inform future interventions and public health initiatives aimed at supporting parents and schools in promoting healthier environments for children and teenagers.
For further details, visit the full article on UCLA Health’s website here.
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