We Truly Inherit Traits from Our Mothers

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• We Truly Inherit Traits from Our Mothers

by Jessica Lane

Updated: Feb. 12, 2021

Originally Published: Jan. 6, 2018

Occasionally, my editor will send me a compelling study and say, “Hey, Jess, can you write about this?” I’ll glance at the title and think, “Absolutely! This is going to be intriguing.” After a quick coffee boost, I dive in.

However, this week, I received a link to a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience titled “Female-Specific Intergenerational Transmission Patterns of the Human Corticolimbic Circuitry.” As I sipped my coffee and stared at this complex jargon, my mind was like “beep-beep-boop, error.”

To be clear, I’m not a neuroscientist. But thanks to Google, my coffee, and some determination, I managed to decipher the meaning behind this elaborate scientific title.

And folks, the findings are absolutely captivating! The study’s core hypothesis posits that the brains of mothers and daughters share the most biological similarities among all intergenerational relationships. Personally, I often feel like I’m morphing into my mother. Right from the start, this theory resonates with me. I’m on board!

Honestly, if these researchers wanted to save time and resources, they could’ve just spent a few hours in my home to hear me exclaim in a strong southern drawl, “You’ll poke your eye out with that!”

The phenomenon of “like mother, like daughter” is definitely real. But scientists don’t rely on personal anecdotes, so they tested their hypothesis by using MRI scans to compare intergenerational brain structures, particularly focusing on the corticolimbic system. Since I lack a PhD in neuroscience, I had to dig deeper. I discovered that the corticolimbic system is responsible for a variety of functions, including decision-making and emotional regulation.

In summary, this study investigated the areas of the brain that influence our thoughts and feelings. After analyzing data from 35 different families, researchers found that the corticolimbic systems of mothers and daughters exhibit the closest similarities. This substantiates the notion that the experiences of “OMG, I’m absolutely turning into my mother” are indeed scientifically valid.

When you find yourself tearing up at that heartwarming dog adoption commercial, you can likely attribute it to your mother. And if you feel a surge of anger when your hair tangles won’t brush out, that too may be inherited. Whether you choose to thank or blame her, chances are, it’s a trait from your mama.

The study also sheds light on the parallels in mental health issues. Lead author Mira Thompson indicated that the corticolimbic system is closely linked to depression. Thus, the similarities in brain chemistry between mothers and daughters may serve as indicators for mental health experiences in the younger generation.

While the sample size of this study is relatively small, it aligns with other recent research confirming similar findings. For instance, a study featured in Psychology Today concluded that the bond between mothers and daughters surpasses any other parent-child connection throughout various life stages. Moreover, another study highlighted that mothers and daughters exert a unique influence on one another compared to other familial relationships.

It appears that the saying “like mother, like daughter” holds more truth than we might have thought. Science has spoken, and when it comes to the brain chemistry that guides our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, the rapper Juvenile was spot on—“She get it from her mama.”

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Summary

Research indicates that mothers and daughters share significant biological similarities in brain function, particularly within the corticolimbic system, which affects emotional regulation and decision-making. The study suggests that these inherited traits extend to emotional responses and mental health patterns, supporting the adage “like mother, like daughter” with scientific backing.