Would you describe yourself as healthy? Maybe you should thank your mom.
New research led by Brandeis University researchers indicates children raised in households where mothers provided care and nurturing are more likely to become healthier in middle age – even if they grew up in poverty.
The study, published in the journal Psychological Science, tracked more than 1,200 adults for illnesses typically associated with lower socio-economic status, such as diabetes and strokes, and attempted to assess whether those who experienced maternal nurturing as children had better overall health in middle age.
Researchers asked participants such questions as: How much did your mother understand your problems and worries and how much time and attention did she give you when you needed it?
Margie Lachman, lead author of the study, said researchers found adults who'd grown up with a loving mother were found to be in better health than those who hadn’t been close with their moms in childhood.
One possible explanation: Moms may teach children empathy, coping skills and to treat themselves well -- factors that can lead to improvements in health.
“The literature is very clear that people who are low in socioeconomic status have worse health than their same age counterparts,” said Lachman, in a university press release. "Modifiable factors play an important role, and we are realizing that things can be done to try to minimize these health disparities."