Global Perspectives on Parental Acceptance and Rejection

"Interpersonal Acceptance-Rejection Theory has been a major part of American scholarship for decades. This volume broadens the story. Authors address how this theory forces changes in numerous other areas of inquiry from attachment to health and how the theory and empirical inquiry address issues in culture around the globe. The chapter by Lansford, for example, highlights both universal developmental processes in acceptance and rejection as well as culture-specific processes. Kudos to Ron Rohner on a long career and a terrific capstone product."

Kenneth A. Dodge, Ph.D., William McDougall Professor of Public Policy and Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, U.S.A.

"This new anthology provides an accessible review and summary of the worldwide literature on acceptance and rejection across the lifespan. Since its initial incarnation six and a half decades ago, Interpersonal Acceptance-Rejection Theory has become one of the most widely embraced approaches to the assessment and interpretation of perceived acceptance and rejection in intimate relationships, with long-term implications for individual adjustment. All those seeking to understand close personal relationships will want to have this volume in their libraries."

Michael E. Lamb, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Emeritus Fellow at Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.

"It is deeply gratifying to see the rigorous, extensive coverage of Rohner’s Interpersonal Acceptance-Rejection Theory and empirical research in this excellent volume. One cannot overstate the importance of the theory, the measures and interventions that have been developed, and the research findings from around the world. This book provides an essential collection of chapters for current and future scholars, practitioners and policymakers who are striving to understand and improve people’s lives."

Kirby Deater-Deckard, Ph.D., Professor, Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst (USA).Visiting Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Turku, Finland.

"This edited volume presents comprehensive, informative chapters reviewing research across the past six and a half decades that has investigated aspects of the interpersonal acceptance-rejection theory (IPARTheory) with several hundred thousand children, adolescents, and adults in numerous countries. This volume will appeal to students, researchers, and practitioners interested in the role of significant interpersonal relationships."

Deborah L. Best, Ph.D., William L. Poteat Professor of Psychology, Emerita, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.

"This growing body of research across a wide range of societies has shown how impactful interpersonal acceptance-rejection theory is for a person’s subsequent well-being throughout his or her lifespan. This edited collection brings together the key researchers on interpersonal acceptance-rejection, integrating and updating their work on this vital aspect of the human experience. It is state-of-the art!"

Michael H. Bond, Ph.D., Visiting Chair Professor of Management, Department of Management and Marketing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong S.A.R.

"Interpersonal Acceptance-Rejection Theory (IPARTheory): From Conception Through Maturity" is a remarkable, comprehensive exploration of one of the most profound human experiences—how we perceive acceptance and rejection across our lives and relationships. Editors Ronald Rohner and Sumbleen Ali have edited a book that integrates more than six decades of cross-cultural research, shedding light on the universal psychological impact of acceptance and rejection while also honoring the cultural specificities that shape these dynamics.

In times of “mini-theories” in psychology this work stands out as a robust life-span developmental theory that bridges social, developmental, and clinical areas of psychology. The idea that acceptance and rejection in early childhood may influence a person’s later relationships and emotional health, have a long tradition in psychology dating back to Freud, Adler, Sullivan and humanistic psychology (Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow) but it is Rohner’s IPARTheory that offers a cohesive model for understanding the far-reaching effects of acceptance and rejection across cultures and life stages. This book not only illuminates the central tenets of IPARTheory but also advances the conversation around the effects of interpersonal rejection on personality and emotional health across various societies. The socio-cultural perspective is essential to IPARTheory, as it emphasizes that while people everywhere experience and react similarly to acceptance and rejection, the forms and meanings of these expressions are culturally specific.

This book integrates more than six decades of cross-cultural research, shedding light on the universal psychological impact of acceptance and rejection while also honoring the cultural specificities that shape these dynamics. The text outlines the theory in specific terms, integrates recent research but also provides practical applications, including clinical insights, making it a critical resource for clinicians and researchers alike."

Wolfgang Friedlmeier, Department of Psychology, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Minnesota, USA. Associate Editor of Online Readings in Psychology and Culture. Secretary General of IACCP.