In a study released Tuesday in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, researchers on the US Providence Rhode Island birth cohort of the National Collaborative Perinatal Project found that mothers who show their babies plentiful affection help their children cope with stress better once they reach adulthood.
Stress can contribute to chronic conditions and ailments such as headaches, high blood pressure and mental health disorders.
The study involved 482 people. Psychologists assessed the infants at age 8 months and recorded the type, quantity and quality of interaction with the mothers. The infants were reassessed on life stressors as adults. The average age of the adults was 34 years old.
The research found that those who had the most affectionate mothers reported less stress, anxiety, hostility and distress than those with mothers who were less affectionate.
Columbus women expecting a baby who need assistance with learning how to care for a child can contact Columbus Public Health for information on arranging a home visit from a registered nurse that will educate moms on parenting and newborn care skills.
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