Research Finds That A Warm Home Environment Fosters Young People's Belief in a Safe and Positive World
Recent studies highlight the significant role of parental warmth in shaping young people's perceptions of the world as a safe, good, and inviting place. Researchers conducted a comprehensive, multi-country longitudinal study involving children, their parents, and young adults from nations including Colombia, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, the Philippines, Sweden, Thailand, and the United States. The study observed children aged 8 to 16, collecting data on neighborhood safety, socioeconomic status, parenting styles, and psychological factors. When these children reached 22 years of age, they completed questionnaires about their beliefs regarding the world. Findings demonstrated that warm and nurturing parenting during childhood and adolescence strongly predicted positive world beliefs in young adulthood. Interestingly, factors such as neighborhood danger, socioeconomic status, harsh parenting, and psychological control showed weaker or no significant influence. These insights suggest that fostering a warm and supportive home environment can promote a worldview characterized by safety and worth, which is crucial for mental health and overall development.
This pioneering research, led by Dr. Jennifer Lansford of Duke University, underscores the importance of parental warmth across diverse cultural contexts. While creating safer neighborhoods or increasing socioeconomic status might be challenging, nurturing warmth within the home is an accessible way for parents to positively influence their children's perceptions of the world. The study also emphasizes the need for future research to explore how these beliefs develop during childhood and adolescence and how they differ across cultures. Overall, the findings reinforce the vital role of supportive parenting in fostering resilient and optimistic worldviews, contributing to healthier psychological development.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-qa-fostering-home-environment-young.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Understanding Military-Related Grief and Supporting Surviving Families
Military families face unique grief challenges, with sudden, often traumatic losses compounded by traditions, ceremonies, and emotional complexities. Learn how to support survivors of military loss effectively.
Unlocking the Mental Health Benefits of Gardening: How Digging in the Dirt Supports Well-Being
Discover how gardening supports mental health by reducing stress, enhancing mood, and fostering overall well-being through active engagement with nature and soil microbes.
Increased Risk of Bipolar Disorder in Multiracial Women During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Multiracial women are at a higher risk of bipolar disorder during pregnancy and postpartum, highlighting disparities and the need for culturally sensitive screening practices.