A wave of new research is overturning long-held beliefs about the power of parenting in shaping who we become as adults, with renowned psychologist Michael W. Eysenck’s latest book, “Rethinking Psychology: Finding Meaning in Misconceptions,” spotlighting the ways genetics, more than parenting styles, influence adult personalities. The findings, detailed in a recent report by the Times of India, are likely to spark important conversations in Thai families and among educators who have long assumed nurturing—rather than nature—was the primary driver of children’s lifelong temperaments and mental health Times of India.
For decades, Thai parenting culture has emphasized discipline, moral guidance, and active parental presence as keys to raising well-adjusted citizens—a perspective promoted in homes, schools, and Buddhist temples alike. However, Eysenck’s book systematically debunks these cultural assumptions, drawing on extensive international research to reveal that genetic inheritance accounts for a far greater share of adult personality differences than previously recognized. This seismic shift in understanding suggests that while parental love and guidance remain crucial for providing security and teaching social skills, the core attributes shaping adult personality—such as extraversion, emotional stability, and openness—are rooted more deeply in a child’s DNA than in a parent’s approach.
Eysenck’s analysis vigorously challenges several popular myths. First, he discredits the belief that men and women are fundamentally different in personality—a stereotype that permeates Thai society and often influences education and career choices. Studies cited in the book reveal that gender-based personality differences are smaller and less consistent than commonly asserted, varying substantially with geography, culture, and demographics. This finding connects with ongoing discussions in Thailand about gender equality and inclusivity in classrooms and workplaces World Economic Forum.
Perhaps even more transformative is Eysenck’s questioning of the magnitude of parental influence. His synthesis of psychological literature demonstrates that, although positive parenting can foster social competence and emotional well-being, it is genetic inheritance—rather than specific parenting techniques—that most profoundly shapes adult personality traits. This upends the dominant perception, both in Thai parenting manuals and popular media, that strict parenting or careful nurturing will reliably produce “good children” and successful adults. As Eysenck explains: “We tend to believe psychological myths because they align with our personal experiences or confirm our pre-existing beliefs.” This observation holds particular resonance in Thailand, where confirmation bias may reinforce traditional views across generations.
The research further scrutinizes well-marketed ideas such as “brain training” programs purported to increase intelligence or character through games and exercises. Eysenck emphasizes that, while children learn from observation and experimentation, there is limited evidence for the claim that such training can significantly enhance core cognitive abilities—which again points to the primacy of genetic factors.
Mental health misconceptions are also targeted. Many people, including in Thailand, assume that mental illnesses arise almost exclusively from adverse life experiences or poor parenting. However, contemporary research points to a nuanced reality in which mental health outcomes stem from a complex interplay of genetics, environmental conditions, and quality of social support systems. The persistence of myths about the effectiveness of antidepressants or the infallibility of psychological classifications like the DSM-5 further indicates a need for public education and a more critical reading of mental health news and advertising American Psychological Association.
The implications for Thai society are profound. For policymakers, educators, and families, the new findings suggest that efforts to enhance children’s potential must focus not only on nurturing and moral instruction, but also on recognizing and accommodating genetic differences from an early age. For example, educational approaches might shift toward differentiated instruction, with greater emphasis on student choice, play-based learning, and mental health support, echoing global moves toward inclusive education. Health professionals in Thailand’s rapidly expanding mental health sector may also find reason to advocate for more genetic screenings and personalized interventions, reducing the stigma of “bad parenting” blamed for psychological distress and disorders.
Indeed, Thailand’s historical and religious context, rooted in Buddhist teachings about karma and the cultivation of character, has intersected with the global parenting debate for generations. The belief that children are “things to be molded”—as the article references—has led to a cultural emphasis on conformity, diligence, and respect for elders, values enshrined in the wai and school regulations. However, Eysenck’s work calls for a rebalancing: celebrating individual temperaments and abilities as partly innate, and understanding that not all aspects of personality are malleable through parenting, schooling, or even meditation.
Future pathways include advocating for transparency and rigor in psychological research, as commercial interests and media sensationalism can distort the science. Eysenck encourages Thai educators, health workers, and parents to be wary of oversimplified or sensationalized reporting, urging instead a balanced, evidence-based approach. Improved research reproducibility standards, minimized commercial pressures, and an ongoing challenge to diagnostic overspecialization are among his recommendations. These reforms mirror recent Thai government initiatives to strengthen health and education data integrity and promote critical thinking in schools.
For Thai families, the message is twofold: parenting still matters greatly for a child’s happiness and social adjustment, but personality quirks, academic aptitude, and even some mental health risks may ultimately stem from genetic inheritance beyond a parent’s control. As a senior psychologist at a leading Bangkok hospital remarked, “This research gives parents permission to ease the burden of perfection, allowing them to love their children unconditionally, as individuals with their own unique strengths.”
The actionable takeaway for Thai readers is to continue offering warmth, guidance, and support, but to recognize and honor each child’s genetic blueprint. Parents should focus on nurturing resilience, providing rich learning opportunities, and fostering healthy relationships, rather than striving to “manufacture” a particular type of adult. Policymakers and educators must redouble efforts to create inclusive curricula, mental health supports, and public awareness campaigns that reflect this nuanced science—a shift that will ultimately benefit individuals and society as a whole.
For further information and exploration of the topic, readers are encouraged to consult published works by Michael W. Eysenck and recent research reviews from leading psychological journals. To critically assess family and mental health narratives presented in Thai media, readers may also consult public health resources such as those by the Department of Mental Health Thailand, the Ministry of Public Health, and global organizations such as the World Health Organization.