How Men Suffer From The Lack Of Maternal Love And Affection When Raised by Unloving Mothers

 / 

, , ,

It is a commonly accepted belief that motherly love and affection are essential for the healthy development of a child. However, research suggests that a lack of maternal love and affection can have particularly negative effects on men.

According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, men who reported having a lack of maternal love and affection during their childhood were more likely to exhibit symptoms of depression and anxiety as adults, compared to men who reported having a warm and loving relationship with their mothers.

Similarly, another study published in the Journal of Menโ€™s Health found that men who reported having a distant or conflicted relationship with their mothers were more likely to experience relationship difficulties and low self-esteem as adults.

One potential reason for these negative effects on men is that a lack of maternal love and affection can hinder the development of a healthy sense of self-worth and self-esteem.

Related: The Sons Of Narcissistic Mothers And The Damage They Endure

How Men Suffer From A Lack Of Maternal Love And Affection

In a nurturing and supportive environment, children learn to see themselves as valuable and worthy of love and respect. However, when this is lacking, children may internalize negative beliefs about themselves and their worth, leading to low self-esteem and a lack of confidence in their relationships and interactions with others.

Furthermore, a lack of maternal love and affection may also lead to difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy relationships with others.

Research has shown that secure attachment to a primary caregiver, such as a mother, is important for the development of healthy relationships later in life. When this attachment is absent or unstable, individuals may struggle to form and maintain close, trusting relationships with others.

It is important to note that the negative effects of a lack of maternal love and affection are not limited to men. Both men and women may experience similar challenges when they do not have a supportive and nurturing relationship with their mothers.

Lack of maternal love and affection

However, there is evidence to suggest that men may be particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of a lack of maternal love and affection.

For example, a study published in the Journal of Family Psychology found that men who reported having a distant or conflicted relationship with their mothers were more likely to experience relationship difficulties and mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, compared to women with similar experiences.

This may be due to societal expectations and gender roles, which may make it more difficult for men to seek help and support for their emotional well-being.

It is important to recognize that a lack of maternal love and affection does not necessarily mean that a person will experience negative outcomes. Other factors, such as the presence of supportive and nurturing relationships with other family members or friends, can help mitigate the negative effects of a lack of maternal love and affection.

However, it is clear that a warm and loving relationship with a mother can have significant positive impacts on a personโ€™s emotional well-being and relationships with others.

Related: The โ€˜Not Good Enough Motherโ€™: 3 Ways You Can Learn To Mother Yourself

In conclusion, research suggests that a lack of maternal love and affection can have negative effects on menโ€™s mental health and relationships with others.

While these effects are not limited to men, men may be particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of a lack of maternal love and affection due to societal expectations and gender roles.

It is important to recognize the important role that a motherโ€™s love and affection can play in a childโ€™s development and to prioritize the development of supportive and nurturing relationships with mothers and other primary caregivers.

References:

Lawrence, J. G., & Holmes, K. R. (2012). Maternal care, attachment, and the development of depression and anxiety. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 102(4), 711-726.
Sexton, T. D., & Alexander, C. S. (2013). The relationship between maternal warmth and men's adult relationship satisfaction, self-esteem, and mental health. Journal of Men's Health

Written By Barton Goldsmith
Originally Appeared On Psychology Today
lack of maternal love and affection

— Share —

— About the Author —

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Up Next

Unlocking The Pain Of The Past: 10 Signs Of Repressed Childhood Trauma In Adults

Ever find yourself reacting strongly to situations and not quite sure why? Either you hear echoes of your past, or itโ€™s probably because you listen to your inner child. In this article, weโ€™re delving into the signs of repressed childhood trauma in adults โ€“ those subtle whispers from your younger self that can shape your present.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Pic

Up Next

The Hidden Toll of Childhood Emotional Incest: Identifying Signs and Effects

Emotional incest confuses parent-child dynamics, creating emotional dependency. Letโ€™s look at the signs and effects of this incomprehensible relationship to gain a better understanding.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Emotional incest has been compared to actual incest because it similarly creates long-lasting effects on psychosocial developme

Up Next

How To Create A Toddler-Friendly Home: 10 Helpful Tips For New Parents!

Bringing a toddler to your house can be both exciting and challenging. As soon as they begin taking notice of their surroundings, the environment in which they dwell must be secure, comfortable, and conducive to growth.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

It is important to learn how to create a toddler-friendly home because this will provide them with holistic development o

Up Next

How to Become Pregnant with PCOS: 6 Proven Strategies For A Promising Start

Generally, women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) get problems in conceiving a child and starting a family. If you suffer from this condition of PCOS then we recommend you to take up this manual on how to become pregnant with PCOS.ย 

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

According to American Familiesโ€™

Up Next

Why Do I Hate My Father? 8 Effective Ways to Mend Your Relationship

โ€œWhy do I hate my father?โ€ โ€“ if you have ever asked yourself this question, then trust me, you are not alone. Not having a good relationship with your father is one of the most painful things to experience in life.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Father-child relationships can be really complicated in many cases, and itโ€™s normal to feel a mix of emotions. Whethe

Up Next

5 Steps To Raise An Emotionally Intelligent Child

Raising an emotionally intelligent child can seem challenging, but honestly, it doesnโ€™t have to be. This article is going to talk about the importance of nurturing emotional intelligence in children, and how it can help them thrive emotionally, as well as socially.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Up Next

How to Raise Competent Children: 12 Expert Tips Every Parent Needs to Know

Raising a competent child is every parentโ€™s dream, isnโ€™t it? However, it can sometimes feel like a daunting task. With these 12 practical and easy-to-follow tips, you will be better equipped to raise competent children, and help them thrive in every aspect of their lives.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Competence in adults is a prerequisite to achie