A recent psychology study shows that parenting styles—especially cold, abusive, or overly controlling approaches—can leave lasting effects into adulthood. The research links early family environments to later emotional, social, and work-related challenges through traits like conscientiousness.
For Thai families and policymakers, these findings matter. Traditional parental authority and family cohesion remain influential in Thai culture. Understanding how early experiences shape skills such as adaptability, teamwork, and emotional regulation can guide supportive programs for youth nationwide.
The study surveyed 446 adults who were asked to recall parenting before age 16 and to report their current personality traits and daily life difficulties. Parenting styles were categorized as indifferent, abusive, and overcontrolled. Researchers measured traits including conscientiousness (planning, organization, reliability) and agreeableness, along with tendencies tied to impulsivity and rule-following.
A key pattern emerged: stronger negative parenting—particularly from mothers—was linked to higher levels of impulsive or emotionally distant traits, which in turn related to more daily life difficulties. When broader personality factors were considered, the direct link through risky traits diminished, with lower conscientiousness explaining much of the adult challenges in work, relationships, and self-management. This aligns with broader research showing low conscientiousness correlates with various problematic behaviors.
Experts emphasize that early family environments matter for lifelong outcomes. A senior child psychologist notes that parenting styles shape habits and thinking patterns that persist into adulthood. Thailand’s mental health community has observed that rigid or neglectful parenting, while historically common in some settings, can undermine skills essential for today’s economy, such as collaboration and emotional control.
Gender differences also surfaced. For men, the pathway through impulsive or emotionally detached traits remained strong, reflecting outward responses to harsh environments. For women, the routes were less clear, suggesting different coping strategies. In Thailand, where gender norms influence family life, these insights may guide targeted supports for young people.
In Thai families, maternal influence stood out. The strongest impact on adult functioning was linked to mothers’ parenting, echoing Thai cultural norms where mothers are often the emotional center of households. The findings raise questions for family support programs: how best to equip both mothers and fathers with tools to nurture conscientiousness and resilience in children.
The study cautions against overinterpretation. It relies on retrospective self-reports, which can be affected by memory bias and social desirability. In Thailand, where “face” and family reputation are valued, self-reported assessments require careful interpretation within clinical and survey settings.
Still, the research invites a broader conversation about Thai parenting. While traditional practices emphasize discipline and hierarchy, there is a growing shift toward constructive parenting that fosters warmth and flexibility. In urban centers like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, parents, educators, and community groups are increasingly open to programs that promote positive communication and supportive environments for children.
Life history theory helps explain the findings: early adaptive strategies developed to cope with unstable environments may help in the short term but hinder long-term well-being. Practically, supporting parents to create predictable, emotionally rich homes can yield benefits into adulthood, improving self-regulation and reliable contributions in work and community life.
Thai policymakers and educators can apply these insights. The Ministry of Education is integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) into the national curriculum to cultivate self-control and empathy alongside academics. Health professionals advocate expanding parental education, including stress management and healthy communication, through community health centers and school programs. Such investments are especially important for families facing economic strain, where stress and harsh discipline may persist.
Future research in Thailand should track diverse families over time, including urban and rural communities, different ethnic groups, and varying incomes. Given recent mental health challenges from Covid-19 and economic pressures, family-based prevention and support could provide lasting societal benefits.
For Thai readers, the takeaway is practical. Parents, teachers, and community leaders should consider how early caregiving shapes future well-being, emphasizing warmth, open dialogue, and consistency over punishment. Schools can strengthen SEL initiatives and create protective spaces for students who struggle with self-regulation and relationships. Individuals recognizing the impact of their upbringing can seek support from mental health professionals or peer groups to build healthier coping strategies.
Ultimately, the message endures: how we raise children shapes who they become. By prioritizing nurturing, flexible parenting and robust family supports, Thailand can cultivate a generation of resilient, conscientious adults ready for an evolving world.