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Early-Life Parental Affection, Social Relationships in Adulthood, and Later-Life Cognitive Function
Patricia A Thomas1,2, Elizabeth Teas2,3, Elliot Friedman2,3
1Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
Journal of Aging and Health
|December 4, 2024
Summary
Positive childhood parental affection is linked to better cognitive function in later life, primarily through enhanced social support in adulthood. This highlights the lasting benefits of nurturing early relationships.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Sociology
Background:
- Childhood adversities have known long-term health effects.
- The impact of positive childhood experiences, like parental affection, on long-term outcomes is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of early-life parental affection on cognitive function in older adulthood.
- To examine the mediating role of adult relationship quality in this association.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study (1995-2014) were analyzed.
- Structural equation models were used to assess pathways from parental affection to cognitive function.
- The study included Black and White older adults (N = 1983).
Main Results:
- Parental affection indirectly predicted better cognitive function in later life.
- This effect was mediated by higher levels of social support (overall and family support) in adulthood.
- No significant indirect effects were found through relationship strain or friend support.
Conclusions:
- Promoting positive parental relationships in childhood is crucial.
- These early relationships have implications for adult social connections and cognitive health in later life.
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