Researchers at a major Texas university explored how parenting styles marked by threats and fear during childhood can shape mental health later in life. The study, reported in a peer reviewed psychology journal, highlights a link between early exposure to threatening behavior from caregivers and higher chances of developing anxiety disorders in adulthood.
Anxiety disorders form a broad category of mental health concerns defined by persistent worry and fear that can disrupt daily functioning. Within this spectrum are conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific phobias. Common symptoms include persistent worry, muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and intense fear that sometimes seems to arise without a clear trigger.
The research drew on responses from a large group of undergraduate students aged 18 to 24 who completed online questionnaires about their childhood environments and experiences. Participants also provided information that allowed researchers to gauge their sense of helplessness and their belief in their ability to cope with challenging situations, known as self efficacy.
Findings indicated that exposure to threatening behavior from both mothers and fathers was linked to lower self efficacy and higher feelings of helplessness in later life.
The team proposed a statistical model showing that parental threats during childhood can increase perceptions of helplessness and reduce self efficacy, which in turn are associated with more severe anxiety symptoms. The analysis further suggested that these patterns were connected specifically to maternal threats rather than paternal threats.
According to the researchers, greater maternal threat exposure was indirectly related to the severity of anxiety through heightened helplessness and diminished self efficacy. This points to the important role of early family dynamics in shaping how individuals respond to stress later on.
Experts note that one of the most consistent findings across studies is the impact of parental support, or the lack thereof, on the development of anxiety and related concerns. In this body of work, the absence of nurturing guidance during childhood emerges as a significant factor contributing to the long-term emotional challenges some people face. The implications emphasize the value of constructive parenting practices that foster confidence and resilience, particularly in the critical years of late adolescence and early adulthood.
In practical terms, the findings suggest that programs aiming to reduce childhood adversity and enhance caregiver support could help mitigate future anxiety symptoms. Interventions that strengthen parental communication, promote healthy coping strategies, and empower young people to build self esteem may contribute to better mental health outcomes across the population.