Recent research published in Social Psychological and Personality Science has shed new light on the emotional rewards of parenthood, revealing that moments of pride and awe experienced by parents can significantly enhance psychological well-being. The findings suggest that these intense yet positive parental emotions may make the everyday challenges of raising children more fulfilling, offering valuable insights for Thai families seeking mental balance and parental satisfaction (PsyPost).
While much existing research highlights the stress, fatigue, and burden often associated with caregiving, this new study stands out by focusing on the uplifting side of parenting—specifically, the personal impact of feeling proud or awestruck by one’s child. The research addresses a long-standing question: If daily parenting demands are so high, why do people almost universally continue to choose parenthood? In Thai society, where strong family bonds and respect for generational contributions are culturally embedded, this question resonates deeply.
The investigative team, led by a doctoral candidate at the University of Rochester, conducted three comprehensive studies to explore these positive parental emotions. The first was an online survey with 505 parents, measuring how often they felt pride or awe regarding their child and how these experiences influenced their life satisfaction, sense of meaning, negative emotions, and psychological richness—a psychological construct reflecting the novelty and diversity of one’s experiences. Results showed that those who frequently experienced pride reported higher life satisfaction and fewer negative emotions. In contrast, habitual experiences of awe were associated with not only higher satisfaction but also greater meaning and a richer sense of life—a powerful dynamic relevant even within Thailand’s diverse modern family structures.
A second, longitudinal study followed 130 parents over three months, tracking fluctuations in parental pride and awe alongside well-being measures. Once again, the data confirmed that earlier episodes of parental pride predicted subsequent increases in life satisfaction, while awe forecast boosts in perceived meaning in life. These findings were consistent regardless of a child’s temperament, age, or parental gender, suggesting that all parents in various circumstances—including single parents and extended families common in Thai society—can benefit.
To further unpack causality, a third experiment employed a within-person design. It asked 261 parents to recall three separate parenting events from the past month: one ordinary moment, one pride-filled incident, and one awe-inspiring experience. Parents rated each for satisfaction, meaning, and psychological richness. Both pride and awe moments led to elevated well-being, with awe having a particularly notable effect on enhancing psychological richness and the sense of a more meaningful life. Researchers found that awe often emerged from shared moments or witnessing acts of kindness, while pride arose in response to a child’s talents or resilience.
Exploring the psychological “why,” the study found that both awe and pride fostered stronger feelings of love and connection with one’s child, as well as a sense of self-transcendence—being part of something larger than oneself. Parents who experienced awe reported a “slowing of time,” a phenomenon that allowed them to savor precious moments, such as witnessing a child’s first steps—a universally cherished milestone across cultures, including in Thai households.
These discoveries have special relevance in the Thai context, where parental pride is often connected to children’s academic or moral achievements. Acts of awe might stem from temple visits, traditional family ceremonies, or community volunteering—environments that naturally foster shared wonder and spiritual elevation. The study’s recognition of awe as more than just achievement-based points to a broader, culturally resonant form of emotional well-being.
Perspectives from psychological experts suggest that prioritizing moments of pride and awe may help offset the daily pressures Thai parents face—from work–family balance in fast-growing urban centers like Bangkok to the familial obligations embedded in rural communities. The research also highlights the value of “savoring” meaningful moments, a concept not unlike the Buddhist principle of mindfulness—a practice deeply familiar in Thailand.
It is important to note the study’s limitations, mostly its focus on parental effects rather than how these emotional experiences might influence children or the family as a whole. Future research may examine whether awe and pride can “spill over” into other family members, possibly enhancing the overall mental health of Thai households. For instance, shared experiences at national events, Songkran festivals, or royal ceremonies might generate collective awe, fostering cohesion beyond the immediate family—a uniquely Thai context.
Looking ahead, psychological enrichment through parenting may be especially important in the wake of mounting mental health challenges, which have received increasing national attention in Thailand. The U.S. Surgeon General’s recent mental health advisory on supporting parents emphasized global relevance; in Thailand, this aligns with emerging government initiatives to support family welfare and child development (World Health Organization: Thailand Mental Health Policy).
Thai parents who wish to enhance their well-being are encouraged to actively reflect on and celebrate their children’s achievements as well as savor moments of wonder in daily family life. Educators and family service providers can incorporate activities designed to spark awe—such as outdoor exploration, music, or storytelling sessions—into school and community programs. Practicing intentional reflection, sharing stories, and expressing gratitude for parenting moments—forms of “positive psychology”—can help fortify mental health at both personal and societal levels (Greater Good Magazine).
In practical terms, Thai families might consider participating together in merit-making activities, exploring local heritage sites, or simply spending mindful time together outdoors—activities known to induce both pride and awe. Pausing to appreciate a child’s small acts of kindness, or being awed by a creative or spiritual milestone, can bring powerful, lasting benefits to both parent and child.
In conclusion, as Thai society continues to modernize, balancing tradition and innovation, the emotional joys of pride and awe in parenting offer a timeless, science-backed pathway to well-being. By recognizing and cultivating these moments, parents can not only enrich their own lives but also help foster resilient, connected families across Thailand.