From: National Institutes of Health
Research Spotlights December 2018
Happy childhood memories related to better health in later years
Prior research shows positive memories from childhood are related to better health in young adults, but a new NIA-funded study extends these findings to older adulthood as well.
Using data from the National Survey of Midlife Development (MIDUS; n = 7,108; Mage = 46.38, followed for 18 years) and the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; n = 15,234; Mage = 67.73, followed for 6 years), researchers retrospectively analyzed childhood memories of parental support and the relation with present day physical health. Measurements included perceptions of parental affection with both mothers and fathers before age 18 (e.g., emotional support and quality of relationship), self-rated overall health and chronic conditions, and depressive symptoms characterized by the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview—Short Form.
Participants from both studies reported better physical health and fewer depressive symptoms in later life when they had positive memories of their mothers in childhood. Similarly, those who reported more support from fathers in childhood had fewer depressive symptoms later in life, but only the HRS individuals had noted effects on physical health. However, correlations between positive parental memories and fewer chronic conditions were only evident in the MIDUS sample. Maternal affection associations were stronger than those of fathers and may reflect generational differences in child caregiving.
Positive childhood memories of relationships with both parents appear to have beneficial effects on health far beyond young adulthood and reflect the permeance of memories on health.
Read the whole story (subscription may be required): National Institutes of Health
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