IN A 21-year study involving families across Detroit, Toledo, and Chicago, researchers explored how parenting styles shape kids' brains and moods.
Turns out, "harsh" parenting - think psychological and physical aggression - left its mark early, lighting up kids' brains like they were preparing for a battle.
By late childhood, these kids had less connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, almost as if their brains were learning to keep emotions at arm's length.
Meanwhile, "warm" parenting (good ol' encouragement and responsiveness) added some strategic benefits: by age 15, these kids had stronger amygdala connections, which seemed to act as an anti-anxiety shield.
By adulthood - when COVID added a twist of stress - those with warmer parenting had lower levels of anxiety and depression.
In short, a little warmth goes a long way - good vibes early on seem to build brains that are better equipped to handle life's many curveballs.
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