Doctoral Dissertations

Date of Award

5-1993

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Psychology

Major Professor

Leonard Handler

Committee Members

Ron Hopson, Sandra Loucks, Sandy Twardosz

Abstract

This study attempted to determine the relationship between college students' perceptions of paternal nurturance and their interpersonal styles. Students rated both parents on the Paternal Nurturance Measure, a scale developed for the purposes of the study. Eight interpersonal variables were assessed using Leary's Interpersonal Diagnostic System (Leary, 1957). Results indicated that perceived paternal nurturance was positively related to the likelihood that students had: (1) socially acceptable interpersonal styles (2) loving interpersonal styles (3) positive identifications with their fathers. Perceived maternal nurturance was also found to be related to students' interpersonal styles. No meaningful sex differences were found. It was concluded that perceived paternal nurturance and perceived maternal nurturance were equally important factors in students' social adjustment. Students who rated both parents high in nurturance were viewed as having the best social adjustment and students who rated both parents low in nurturance were seen as having the worst social adjustment. Sullivan's (1953) interpersonal theory was used to explain the findings.

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