Mothers are the most important people in the lives of young adults and their children do care what they think, a new survey from the University of Melbourne reveals.

Associate Professor Jennifer Boldero from the School of Behavioural Science surveyed 103 first-year university students, average age 19, and asked subjects who was the most significant person in their lives.

A resounding 40 per cent nominated their mother, way ahead of fathers (25 per cent), a romantic partner (17 per cent), a friend (12 per cent) and a sibling (six per cent).

Men and women were equally likely to choose their mother as the most influential person in their lives.

“Many parents think that once their children grow up and leave school they do not have much of an influence,” Associate Professor Boldero says. “This survey tells us that mothers are still clearly having an impact on their children well into adulthood.

“These results support the idea that a large number of us “carry” our mothers around with us. It is certainly not the case that just because mothers are out of sight that they are out of mind.’’

The survey is part of a wider study being conducted by Associate Professor Boldero into the impact of significant others on people’s lives.

Those involved were asked to nominate the most important people in their lives and were also quizzed about whether they felt they were living up to their expectations.

Associate Professor Boldero says that most surveyed also perceived they were not living up to the expectations of their mothers.

“When young people perceive they are not living up to the expectations of their mothers, there is potential for conflict,’’ she says. “ If the discrepancy between these expectations and what they are doing is too great this can lead to anxiety and depression.”

Associate Professor Boldero says the survey reinforces the important role of mothers.

“Dads are important too but for many Generation Y people, their mother remains the most important person,’’ she says. “Even if your kids are grown up they still need you and they still care what you think.”