A new psychological study suggests that the way children are parented—especially when that parenting is cold, abusive, or overly controlling—can have lasting effects on their adult lives, with certain personality traits serving as the connecting thread. Published in Psychological Reports, the research sheds light on why negative parenting is tied to later emotional, social, and occupational difficulties, and points to the key role of personality traits such as conscientiousness in explaining this link (PsyPost).
The implications resonate not just for international readers, but for families and policymakers here in Thailand, where traditional values around parental authority and family cohesion remain strong. Research into the enduring impact of childhood experiences is especially relevant as Thai society continues to negotiate the balance between respect for elders and the need for emotionally supportive environments for its youth.
According to the study, the research team surveyed 446 American adults, asking them to recall how their parents behaved before the age of 16 and to rate their own personality traits alongside their current difficulties in daily life. Parenting styles were classified as indifferent (emotionally cold or unresponsive), abusive (verbal, physical, or sexual mistreatment), and overcontrolled (excessive protection or intrusion). Participants also underwent psychological assessments for traits such as psychopathy (impulsivity, emotional coldness, disregard for rules) and sadism, as well as the more universal measures of conscientiousness (planning, organization, reliability) and agreeableness.
The findings revealed a significant pattern: adults who reported more negative parenting—especially from mothers—tended to have higher levels of psychopathic traits, which in turn predicted greater daily life difficulties. Yet, when the researchers accounted for broad personality traits like conscientiousness and agreeableness, the direct link through psychopathy faded. The stronger explanation was that negative parenting led to lower conscientiousness, which then accounted for adult challenges in work, relationships, and self-management—a finding echoed by previous studies linking low conscientiousness to various forms of dysfunction, including substance abuse and risky behaviors (American Psychological Association).
Expert consensus continues to highlight the importance of early family environments. According to a leading child psychologist quoted in multiple peer-reviewed papers, “Childhood parenting styles don’t just shape trauma histories; they instill persistent life habits and thinking patterns that reverberate across decades.” The new research also aligns with what Thai mental health practitioners and family counselors have observed: rigid or neglectful parenting styles, while culturally normalized in some settings, can undermine key skills needed for the modern economy, such as adaptability, teamwork, and emotional regulation (Bangkok Post).
Diving deeper, the study explored differences by gender. For men, the mediating effect of psychopathic traits between dysfunctional parenting and life problems remained robust, potentially reflecting “externalizing” responses to harsh environments—such as rule-breaking or emotional detachment. For women, however, the pathway was less clear, suggesting different coping or adaptation strategies, a finding supported by cross-cultural research. In the Thai context, where gender roles remain influential, such insights may inform targeted interventions for young men and women dealing with the legacies of their upbringing.
One crucial aspect for Thai families is the study’s emphasis on maternal influence. Though both mothers’ and fathers’ behaviors were assessed, the strongest impact on adult function was seen for maternal parenting. This echoes Thai cultural norms, where mothers often serve as primary caregivers and emotional anchors of the family. It also raises important questions for family support programs: How can mothers—and fathers—be equipped with the emotional tools and understanding to nurture conscientiousness and resilience in their children?
While the research offers powerful insights, the authors caution against overinterpreting the findings. The cross-sectional design relied on participants recalling childhood experiences, a method open to memory distortions, and self-reporting, which can be colored by social desirability. In Thailand, where preserving “face” and family reputation is crucial, such self-reporting can be even more challenging in clinical and survey settings (WHO Thailand).
Nevertheless, these findings invite a broader conversation about Thai parenting. Traditional practices often involve strict discipline and regard for hierarchical structures, but recent trends—including the popularity of “positive parenting” workshops in Bangkok and Chiang Mai—reflect a growing recognition that emotional warmth and flexibility are key to raising well-adjusted adults. Urban Thai families, exposed to global educational research and diverse media, are increasingly open to parenting techniques that emphasize constructive communication and support rather than punishment or criticism.
Life history theory, used by the study’s authors to interpret the results, posits that early adaptive strategies—such as impulsivity or emotional detachment—developed in response to unstable environments may help children cope in the short term but undermine long-term well-being. In practical terms, this suggests that supporting parents in creating predictable, supportive, and emotionally rich households might have payoffs that last long into adulthood, not only for the individual but also for society, as conscientious citizens are more likely to contribute positively to the economy and community life.
Thai policymakers and educators can take lessons from these international findings. Already, the Ministry of Education has begun to integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) into the national curriculum, aiming to foster soft skills such as self-control and empathy alongside academic achievement. Health experts and family counselors advocate for expanding parental education, including stress management and healthy communication techniques, through community health centers and school campaigns. Such efforts can help break the cycle, especially among lower-income families, where parental stress and harsh discipline may be more prevalent due to economic pressures (UNICEF East Asia & Pacific).
Looking forward, additional research that follows Thai families over time—incorporating voices from urban and rural areas, diverse ethnic groups, and different socioeconomic strata—could help tailor interventions to local realities. Especially in light of the mental health challenges brought on by recent stresses, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic uncertainty, investing in family-based prevention may yield long-term benefits for Thai society.
For Thai readers, the call to action is clear. Parents, teachers, and community leaders should consider the long-term influence of early caregiving, prioritizing emotional warmth, open communication, and consistency over strict control or criticism. Schools can implement SEL programs and create supportive environments for students struggling with self-regulation and relationship difficulties. For individuals who recognize the lasting impact of their childhood experiences, seeking support from mental health professionals or peer groups can promote healing and the development of positive coping skills.
In conclusion, this research underscores a timeless lesson: how we are raised ripples across our lives, often shaping not just how we feel but who we become. By prioritizing nurturing, flexible, and supportive parenting—and supporting families to succeed—Thailand can foster a generation of resilient, conscientious adults ready to face an uncertain future with confidence.
Sources: PsyPost, Psychological Reports, American Psychological Association, Bangkok Post, WHO Thailand, UNICEF East Asia & Pacific