We’ve all heard the phrase, “A mother’s love lasts a lifetime.” Turns out, that’s not just a sweet saying—it’s backed by science. Now, research is showing just how deep that impact goes. According to a major study published by the American Psychological Association, early maternal affection doesn’t just create happy childhood memories—it may also help shape key personality traits that set the stage for success in adulthood.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh studied more than 2,200 identical twins from early childhood through age 18. By using twins, they were able to account for genetics and shared family environment—so they could focus on what parenting itself contributes.
What stood out? Kids whose mothers were more warm and affectionate between the ages of 5 and 10 were more likely to grow up with higher levels of:
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Openness (being curious, imaginative, open to new ideas)
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Conscientiousness (being responsible, organized, and reliable)
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Agreeableness (being kind, cooperative, and compassionate)
These traits—part of what psychologists call the Big Five personality traits—are strongly linked to positive life outcomes like educational achievement, stable careers, and good mental and physical health.
What does it matter?
Lead researcher Dr. Jasmin Wertz puts it simply:
“Personality traits are strong predictors of important life outcomes, from academic and career success to health and well-being.”
That means the way a parent interacts with their child—especially how warm and emotionally responsive they are—can have ripple effects far beyond childhood. Even modest improvements in parenting practices could result in big benefits over time, not just for individuals, but across society.
Because the study focused on identical twins, the findings highlight that parenting really does matter, even when genetics are the same. The twin who experienced more maternal warmth often developed stronger social-emotional traits by age 18, while their sibling, raised in the same home, didn’t show the same growth if they experienced less affection.
Of course, the researchers also noted that not all traits were influenced equally. Maternal affection didn’t appear to impact levels of extraversion or emotional stability (neuroticism). This suggests that those aspects of personality may be more closely tied to genetics or later life experiences—like friendships, school environments, or therapy.
This research is more than just interesting—it’s actionable. Encouraging warm and supportive parenting can be a powerful way to foster resilience and long-term success, especially in communities facing economic or social challenges.
Dr. Wertz points out that programs that help parents bond more deeply with their kids—like parenting classes, mental health support, and family-friendly policies—could have far-reaching effects on education, employment, and public health.
“By targeting parenting practices that promote positive traits in childhood, it may be possible to reduce disparities in life outcomes,” she says.
Affectionate parenting during childhood, especially from moms, can play a meaningful role in shaping who we become. While personality is influenced by many factors—genes, experiences, relationships—a mother’s warmth leaves a powerful and lasting impression.
Sources:
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2025/04/power-affectionate-mothering
https://www.simplypsychology.org/big-five-personality.html
