A new study underscores the profound connection between a mother’s early experiences of trauma and the emotional and behavioral wellbeing of her children, raising crucial questions for families and healthcare providers in Thailand. According to recently published research highlighted by PsyPost, mothers who suffered trauma during their own childhoods are more likely to have children exhibiting emotional and behavioral challenges. This research adds to a growing global body of evidence that mental health risks often span generations, with lasting consequences for family and community wellbeing.
Historically, Thai society has placed a strong emphasis on family unity and filial piety. Increasingly, however, scientific inquiry is revealing how unacknowledged or untreated trauma from one generation can shape the health and opportunities of the next. The new findings—based on detailed survey methodology and peer-reviewed analysis—echo findings from regional and international research that highlight early childhood adversities as major contributors to a range of negative mental and physical health outcomes in the next generation (source).
The PsyPost report details how researchers collected information about mothers’ adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and tracked behavioral patterns in their children. Using psychometrically validated tools, the team found significant associations: Children whose mothers reported higher levels of childhood trauma were at greater risk of experiencing anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems than children of mothers without such histories. The study carefully controlled for related variables such as socioeconomic status and current maternal mental health, strengthening the case for a direct link between maternal trauma and offspring wellbeing.
A Thai clinical psychologist at a leading Bangkok hospital noted, “This study reaffirms what we see in practice—childhood trauma can affect parenting styles, emotional regulation, and the stress environment at home. In Thailand, there is still some hesitation to discuss mental health openly, but studies like this help break the silence.” The psychologist emphasized the need for greater investment in preventive mental health services for women and girls, to interrupt the cycle of intergenerational distress.
Global research supports these findings. A systematic review in The Lancet Psychiatry (2020) confirmed that mothers who suffered abuse or neglect in childhood were more likely to have children with psychological or behavioral problems (source). In Thailand, studies have shown that a significant proportion of women report at least one adverse experience during childhood, often related to family conflict, parental absence, or emotional neglect (source). When unaddressed, these experiences may affect mothers’ ability to provide emotional support and consistent caregiving.
The implications for Thailand’s child welfare and public health systems are profound. With rising rates of adolescent mental health concerns and growing awareness of childhood adversity, experts argue for more comprehensive screening and support programs. At the policy level, agencies such as the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security have made strides toward integrating trauma-informed care, but implementation gaps remain—especially outside urban centers.
Culturally, Thai families often rely on elders and informal networks for support. However, changing social dynamics, rural-urban migration, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have increased stress on families. Community health volunteers in provincial areas are increasingly being trained to identify signs of distress in caregivers and children, but resources for specialized mental health care are limited.
Looking forward, researchers urge a multi-pronged approach: expanding mental health education in schools and families, increasing access to affordable counseling for mothers before and after childbirth, and investing in community-based mental health infrastructure. “Breaking the intergenerational chain of trauma requires a whole-of-society approach,” added the Bangkok clinical psychologist. “That means destigmatizing help-seeking, strengthening the safety net for vulnerable families, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.”
For Thai readers, the message is both urgent and actionable: Early identification and intervention can change life trajectories for children and families. Those with a history of trauma can benefit from compassionate support—whether through talking with a healthcare provider, joining peer support groups, or accessing evidence-based resources currently being developed by several universities and NGOs in Thailand (source). For policymakers, employers, and community leaders, prioritizing trauma prevention and responsive services will pay dividends in national development, social harmony, and the health of future generations.
For more information on trauma-informed parenting resources, visit the Mental Health Department of the Ministry of Public Health’s official portal or consult with local primary healthcare providers about counseling services in your area.