Par Theory

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PARTheory

Parental acceptance-rejection theory (PARTheory) is an evidence based theory ofsocialization and lifespan development that attempts to predict and explain major causes,consequences, and other correlates of parental acceptance and rejection within the U.S.and worldwide. It attempts to answer five classes of questions divided into threesubtheories. Two classes of questions define PARTheory'spersonality subtheory.A thirdclass of questions defines PARTheory'scoping subtheory.The last two classes ofquestions define PARTheory'ssociocultural systems subtheoryandsociocultural

systemsmodel. Recently PARTheory has been expanded to include intimate adultrelationships, peer relationships, and other close interpersonal relationships. In all contextsthe focus is on the causes, effects, and other correlates of perceived acceptance-rejection.

After studying thousands of children and adults in every major ethnic group in America as well as

internationally, it is clear that childrensneed to be loved by parents and other significant caregiversis a universal, probably biologically based, human need. When children dontget this need satisfied

adequately they tend to respond in the same waywithout regard to differences in race, gender,

ethnicity, language, or other such defining conditions. In addition, research reveals that the negative

effects sometimes associated with such parental behaviors as corporal punishment and restrictive

control are most often due to the feelings of rejection that those behaviors may produce in children,

but not to the punishment or control itself.

Ronald and Nancy Rohner Center for the Study of Interpersonal Acceptance & Rejection
http://psychology.socialsciencedictionary.com/Dictionary-of-Parental-Acceptance-Rejection-Theory/personality_theoryhttp://psychology.socialsciencedictionary.com/Dictionary-of-Parental-Acceptance-Rejection-Theory/personality_theoryhttp://psychology.socialsciencedictionary.com/Dictionary-of-Parental-Acceptance-Rejection-Theory/personality_theoryhttp://psychology.socialsciencedictionary.com/Dictionary-of-Parental-Acceptance-Rejection-Theory/coping_theoryhttp://psychology.socialsciencedictionary.com/Dictionary-of-Parental-Acceptance-Rejection-Theory/coping_theoryhttp://psychology.socialsciencedictionary.com/Dictionary-of-Parental-Acceptance-Rejection-Theory/coping_theoryhttp://psychology.socialsciencedictionary.com/Dictionary-of-Parental-Acceptance-Rejection-Theory/sociocultural_systems_theoryhttp://psychology.socialsciencedictionary.com/Dictionary-of-Parental-Acceptance-Rejection-Theory/sociocultural_systems_theoryhttp://psychology.socialsciencedictionary.com/Dictionary-of-Parental-Acceptance-Rejection-Theory/sociocultural_systems_theoryhttp://psychology.socialsciencedictionary.com/Dictionary-of-Parental-Acceptance-Rejection-Theory/sociocultural_systems_modelhttp://psychology.socialsciencedictionary.com/Dictionary-of-Parental-Acceptance-Rejection-Theory/sociocultural_systems_modelhttp://psychology.socialsciencedictionary.com/Dictionary-of-Parental-Acceptance-Rejection-Theory/sociocultural_systems_modelhttp://www.cspar.uconn.edu/intro_partheory.htmlhttp://www.cspar.uconn.edu/intro_partheory.htmlhttp://www.cspar.uconn.edu/intro_partheory.htmlhttp://www.cspar.uconn.edu/intro_partheory.htmlhttp://psychology.socialsciencedictionary.com/Dictionary-of-Parental-Acceptance-Rejection-Theory/sociocultural_systems_modelhttp://psychology.socialsciencedictionary.com/Dictionary-of-Parental-Acceptance-Rejection-Theory/sociocultural_systems_theoryhttp://psychology.socialsciencedictionary.com/Dictionary-of-Parental-Acceptance-Rejection-Theory/coping_theoryhttp://psychology.socialsciencedictionary.com/Dictionary-of-Parental-Acceptance-Rejection-Theory/coping_theoryhttp://psychology.socialsciencedictionary.com/Dictionary-of-Parental-Acceptance-Rejection-Theory/coping_theoryhttp://psychology.socialsciencedictionary.com/Dictionary-of-Parental-Acceptance-Rejection-Theory/personality_theory


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(Rohner Research Publications 2005)

According to the research of Ronald Rohnor (2011) Parental Acceptance-Rejection Theory has been

proved by many experiments around the world. In general, the more acceptance (warmth, affection,

care, comfort, concern, nurturance, support, or simply love that children can experience from their

parents or caregivers) children receive, the more positive influence will be on childrens development

and the more rejection (parental rejection, which refers to the absence or significant withdrawal of

these feelings and behaviors, and by the presence of variety of physically and psychologically hurtful

behaviors and affects), the more negative influence will be on childrens development.

Parental acceptance and rejection influence almost every aspect of children development, including

coping skills, personality, behaviors, and anything you can think of.
http://www.ucc.uconn.edu/~rohner/glossary.htmlhttp://www.ucc.uconn.edu/~rohner/glossary.htmlhttp://www.ucc.uconn.edu/~rohner/glossary.html


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Apparently, this theory can be applied to Fear of Intimacy/Self-disclosure. For example, I found out

that the fact Ive been living in school since I was ten made me too independent and too protective,

therefore, afraid of sharing my strong emotions or thoughts.

However, we shouldnt think that because of the past, we are just going to be screwed up all our life.

Admit the fact that your childhood, especially your parents, has important influence on you.

But also remember that it is only 1/4 or less of who you are! (Brown,)

PAR ITEMS

My mother..

Pays no attention to me Enjoys having me around Sees me as a big nuisance Hugs and kisses me when I am good Yells at me when she is angry

PAR

Emotional need for positive regard is a powerful motivator for children Parental rejection leads to hostility, aggression, impaired self esteem, emotional

unresponsiveness and instabilityConsequences of Parental Rejection

Depression Behavioural problems

Substance abuse

Documents

Par Theory