50 Happiness-Inducing Pics Of Moms Being Their Hilariously Wholesome Selves (New Pics)

It goes without saying that mothers have a profound impact on their children, and it differs between their sons and daughters. A 2023 paper published by researchers from Indiana University Bloomington suggested that the absence of a mother figure in a man’s life could lead to antisocial behavior, emotional issues, and juvenile delinquency. 

Further research revealed that the lack of maternal affection in males may cause a lack of attachment, which can lead to the inability to build deep, meaningful relationships with women. This individual may also develop trust issues because of the fear of abandonment. 

Experts interviewed for this study also mentioned other potential consequences, such as poor academic achievement, criminal behavior, and substance abuse when they grow older.

We now know how absentee mothers may affect their sons’ lives in the long run. But how about their daughters? How are the consequences similar or different? 

Author Peg Streep wrote books such as Mean Mothers: Overcoming the Legacy of Hurt and published an article in Psychology Today. Based on her own experiences, she mentioned a lack of confidence, distrust, difficulty setting boundaries, and oversensitivity, among other possible outcomes of maternal parenting where affection is almost absent.

“The unloved daughter doesn’t know that she is lovable or worthy of attention; she may have grown up feeling ignored or unheard or criticized at every turn. The voice in her head is that of her mother’s, telling her what she isn’t—smart, beautiful, kind, loving, worthy,” Streep wrote.

Mothers are supposedly a child’s source of affection. They are expected to provide a solid emotional foundation. But why do some end up depriving their sons and daughters? 

According to research, maternal depression (a.k.a postpartum depression) could be one reason. Experts note its symptoms to be higher levels of irritability and low mood. And since the sufferer mostly exhibits negative behaviors, their child suffers in the process. 

While experts see no single cause for maternal depression, they attribute it to physical changes, emotional issues, and genetics. Family history plays a significant role and could increase the likelihood of depressive episodes.