New findings published in the Journal of Psychology reveal that the way parents bond with their children can influence a young adult’s life satisfaction, and that this impact often travels through two powerful emotions: anxiety and anger. The study, led by researchers at an Italian university, shows that overprotective parenting may inadvertently fuel anxiety, while warm, caring parenting seems to promote better anger control—both of which affect how satisfied emerging adults are with their lives. This research shines new light on age-old questions faced by Thai families and educators about how to nurture resilient, well-adjusted future generations (PsyPost).
Parenting styles have long been a topic of interest in Thai society, where filial piety and family harmony are highly valued, and where many young adults continue to live with their parents well into adulthood. The research is especially relevant to Thailand, a country balancing rapid modernisation with deeply rooted family traditions. Understanding how the patterns of parental involvement and discipline during childhood may ripple into mental wellbeing in adulthood has profound implications for educators, health professionals, and policymakers across the kingdom.
The Italian study focused on 369 young adults, most in their early 20s—a life stage familiar to many Thai university students or recent graduates. Participants completed assessments measuring their perceptions of parental care (warmth, understanding) versus overprotection (intrusive, controlling behaviours), as well as their general levels of anger control, anxiety, and life satisfaction. Those who recalled higher levels of caring behaviour from their mothers and fathers reported they were better able to manage anger and experienced greater life satisfaction. Meanwhile, young adults who described their parents as overprotective tended to report higher levels of anxiety, more frequent expressions of anger, and lower satisfaction with life overall.
According to the authors, “These findings demonstrated that maternal and paternal bonding might play a role in the life satisfaction of young adults through different underlying psycho-emotional mechanisms.” Their analyses suggest that parental overprotection may indirectly reduce life satisfaction by increasing anxiety, while high parental care may enhance satisfaction partially by fostering better anger control. The nuances are important: Not all forms of parental involvement have the same emotional consequences, and the study points to subtle distinctions, including that maternal overprotection was particularly associated with harmful expressions of anger.
For decades, Thai parents have been told that strong involvement in their children’s lives is essential for success. Yet, international and local psychologists caution that overprotection, or “helicopter parenting,” can ironically undermine the very resilience and independence sought for Thai youth. An official from a prominent Thai mental health foundation notes, “We see in clinics that excessive worry and over-involvement from parents can create anxiety and reduce problem-solving skills in young adults, while genuine warmth and support foster confidence and emotional stability.” This resonates with the new research, which finds that it is not simply the presence of parental guidance, but the style and quality of that involvement that matter most (PubMed, Bangkok Post).
The implications for Thailand are substantial. With social changes such as delayed marriage, longer periods of study, and economic challenges keeping young people at home, the boundaries of parental involvement have never been more complex. In Thai culture, the close-knit extended family is both a safety net and, sometimes, a source of stress for young adults striving for autonomy. The findings suggest that Thai parents, educators, and counselors should be sensitive to the balance between guidance and independence, vigilance and warmth.
Emotional well-being and life satisfaction are not determined solely by current circumstances or societal status—they are rooted in early family relationships and shaped by ongoing emotional experiences. Thai Buddhist teachings have long emphasised the importance of managing the “defilements” of mind—anger, anxiety, and attachment—in seeking a fulfilled life. The mediated pathways identified in this study between parental care, anger and anxiety, and life satisfaction dovetail with these traditional values, pointing to practical strategies for fostering emotional health: practicing mindful parenting, cultivating secure attachments, and modeling healthy emotional regulation within the family.
While the Italian study primarily reflects the experiences of European young adults, its lessons are increasingly reflected in Thai research as well. Studies from Thai universities have highlighted parallel trends: young people who experience parental warmth and reasonable autonomy tend to report better mental health and more hope for the future, while those exposed to controlling or punitive parenting are at greater risk for anxiety and depression (Asia-Pacific Psychiatry). This underscores the universality of the parent–child bond in shaping emotional outcomes, while also inviting Thai society to tailor interventions in culturally resonant ways.
Critically, the researchers remind readers that their study, based on surveys and self-report, cannot definitively prove cause and effect. Rather, it illuminates the pathways by which certain parenting styles may predispose youth to emotional strengths or vulnerabilities. This has practical significance for Thai mental health practitioners, who often work with students and families navigating high academic and social pressures. As one university counseling psychologist told the Bangkok Post, “Our interventions now focus as much on family dynamics as on individual stress management, because we see the impact of parental involvement on emotional resilience every day” (Bangkok Post mental health coverage.
Looking ahead, as Thai society negotiates the tensions between tradition and modernisation, a fresh appreciation for the quality—rather than the quantity—of parental involvement could benefit families across the country. Policymakers and educators might consider integrating parenting workshops into community and school programs, emphasising the importance of supportive, non-intrusive parenting and teaching emotional management skills to both parents and youth. Healthcare providers could screen for signs of anxiety and anger issues that may be rooted in familial patterns, especially among adolescents and young adults.
For Thai readers wondering how to put these findings into practice, the recommendations are straightforward: strive for balance, openness, and emotional support in family relationships. Parents are encouraged to listen sincerely while allowing age-appropriate independence; youth should communicate their emotional needs with respect and seek supportive adult mentors inside and outside the family. If feelings of anxiety or persistent anger are interfering with daily life, it is important to seek help from mental health professionals or trusted community resources. In a society where family remains the cornerstone, nurturing healthy emotional ties across generations is key to fostering happiness and life satisfaction for all.
Source citations: