The Transformative Power of Love in Childhood Development: A Psychological and Neuroscientific Perspective

N. Hettige; M. P. Dissanayake

N. Hettige Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
M. P. Dissanayake Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka

Keywords: maternal love, child development, attachment, positive psychology, well-being

Abstract

Love is a fundamental force that shapes human development from conception through adulthood. This review aims to explore the transformative impact of maternal love on a child’s emotional, cognitive, and social growth across prenatal, infancy, childhood, and adolescent stages. Grounded in Attachment Theory and Self-Determination Theory, it focuses how love fosters secure attachment, emotional regulation, and intrinsic motivation, leading to lifelong psychological flourishing. Also, it employs a narrative review for the data collection and thematic analysis was used to identify key themes with qualitative reflections from adults on their childhood experiences of maternal love. Key findings suggest that maternal love during pregnancy reduces prenatal stress and enhances neural development. Secure attachment in infancy fosters emotional regulation and resilience, while nurturing love in childhood strengthens cognitive abilities, emotional intelligence, and social competence. During adolescence, consistent parental love contributes to identity formation, self-esteem, and well-being. Furthermore, long-term effects of early love include greater autonomy, purpose, and relationship satisfaction in adulthood. These findings underscore that maternal love is a catalyst for psychological safety, self-worth, and happiness, reinforcing its transformative role in human development. The findings contribute to positive psychology interventions by emphasizing the necessity of early emotional nurturance. Future research should explore cross-cultural perspectives and the impact of maternal love on stress resilience, leadership development, and overall well-being in adulthood.

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