A groundbreaking study has revealed that one of the most effective ways to raise children who develop into open, conscientious, and agreeable adults is through regular displays of parental warmth and affection. The research, published in the highly regarded journal American Psychologist this April, offers fresh insight for Thai families seeking science-backed guidance in nurturing quality adults who thrive in society and at work.
In a culture where academic achievement and respectful behavior are prized hallmarks of Thai parenting, this new evidence suggests that the simple act of expressing affection may have lasting benefits beyond grades and manners. The researchers followed 2,232 British identical twins from infancy to 18 years old, analyzing in-depth recordings of mother-child interactions for signs of warmth and support. The result: children who received more affection—especially between the ages of five and ten—were measurably more open to experience, conscientious, and agreeable as young adults compared to their less-embraced peers.
The study’s design is particularly compelling because it compares identical twins raised in the same home. This approach allowed scientists to tease apart the effects of parenting from the influence of genetics, demonstrating that how a mother interacts with her child matters just as much, if not more, than inherited traits. “By studying twins who share all of their genes and grow up in the same home, we were able to study the effects of parenting separately from the effects of genes,” explained the study’s lead author, a professor of psychology at the University of Edinburgh. This robust control for genetic factors is considered a gold standard in developmental research and underscores the significance of the findings.
Why does affectionate parenting foster these positive qualities? Experts note that warmth from parents can teach children understanding and empathy, core components of agreeableness. It can also help kids regulate emotions, boosting conscientiousness and persistence. A reproductive psychiatrist and researcher with the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center emphasized that affection offers children a sense of support during tough times, making them more comfortable with exploring the world and building relationships. “If a child falls, you want to make sure that they feel loved,” she states. This sense of security equips children to navigate social and emotional challenges—qualities consistently tied to later life satisfaction and success in international research.
For Thai parents, the notion of affection stretches beyond hugs and praise. Affectionate parenting, according to the University of Edinburgh researcher, encompasses listening attentively to a child’s interests, using encouraging words, praising positive choices, empathizing with their struggles, and even maintaining patience on difficult days. Enriching home environments with such emotional support aligns with traditional Thai values of kreng jai (consideration for others’ feelings) and nam jai (generosity of spirit), yet also calls for a balanced approach—merging warmth with clear boundaries and consistent discipline.
It is crucial, however, not to mistake affection for unconditional permissiveness. The experts warn that children benefit most when affection is delivered consistently and within a framework of reasonable limits. “Being affectionate does not mean allowing everything—setting clear limits and consequences are important parenting strategies,” notes the lead researcher. The Ohio State psychiatrist adds, “If you run hot and cold, it can be the most difficult for children. Affection should be an important tool, but not the only one.” For example, comforting a child is appropriate, but sometimes behavioral correction is necessary to convey societal expectations—a nuance often reflected in the Thai saying “รักวัวให้ผูก รักลูกให้ตี” (“If you love your cow, tie it up; if you love your child, discipline them wisely”).
The implications for Thai society are significant. As the Kingdom faces growing concerns about youth mental health, rising stress due to the pressures of education, and the erosion of family bonds in an increasingly urbanized society, this study offers a timely reminder of the unique power parents have to shape not only behavior but also the deeper personality traits that define adulthood. The Ministry of Public Health’s campaigns on positive parenting could benefit from incorporating these findings, highlighting that emotional support is as critical as academic involvement.
Looking ahead, the researchers suggest that interventions encouraging positive parenting behaviors—especially those training parents in effective, affectionate communication—could yield widespread, lasting benefits for communities. For Thailand, such programs could complement existing efforts to reduce corporal punishment, promote child wellbeing, and prepare its next generation for a rapidly changing global landscape.
Of course, every family is different, and experts encourage parents to adapt these principles in ways that feel natural and authentic within their unique context. The University of Edinburgh professor reminds parents to be patient and self-compassionate in their journey, noting that many mothers (and fathers) feel stress and guilt, but caring for oneself is essential to sustaining the energy that parenting demands.
For Thai parents aiming to raise children who will become capable, kind, and resilient adults, the message from science is clear: regular, meaningful parental affection sets the stage for lifelong success. Simple daily gestures—listening, encouraging, hugging, and setting wise boundaries—can have profound, far-reaching effects.
Those interested in deepening their understanding can find summaries of the study’s methodology and recommendations in the April issue of American Psychologist as well as practical parenting guidelines published by international bodies such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization, which echo these core findings (study summary via Yahoo! Lifestyle). As family structures continue to evolve in Thailand, returning to the basics of warmth and empathy may be the best way forward, blending ancient wisdom with modern science for the benefit of Thai communities.