Childhood memories shape adult happiness

A 2018 study in Health Psychology found that childhood memories play a key role in how we experience happiness and make life choices as adults.

“Memory plays a primordial role in the way we apprehend the world.”

Good memories reduce stress and improve choices

Positive childhood memories have a protective effect on health and well-being, likely by reducing stress and helping us make healthier life decisions.

“Good memories have a positive effect on health and well-being, probably by reducing stress.”

First key memory: parental affection

Data from over 22,000 people showed that adults who received more affection from their mothers had fewer depression symptoms and physical health problems.

Second key memory: parental support

The study identified support as the second crucial childhood memory that predicts better physical and mental health in middle age and beyond.

“Childhood memories allowed for predicting better physical and mental health at mature and advanced ages.”

Memories matter for decades

Childhood memories of strong parental affection were linked to better perceived health and fewer depression symptoms over periods of about 6 to 18 years.

“Memories of strong affection were associated with better perceived health and decreased depression symptoms over 6 and 18 years.”