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Parental overprotection increases interpersonal sensitivity in healthy subjects
Koichi Otani1, Akihito Suzuki, Yoshihiko Matsumoto
1Department of Psychiatry, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan.
Comprehensive Psychiatry
|December 9, 2008
Summary
Parental protection, especially from same-sex parents, is linked to higher interpersonal sensitivity in adults. This effect is more pronounced in males, with maternal protection also playing a role.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Parental rearing styles significantly influence adult psychological traits.
- Interpersonal sensitivity is a key aspect of social functioning and emotional regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between perceived parental rearing and interpersonal sensitivity in a Japanese adult sample.
- To explore gender differences in this association.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Parental Bonding Instrument to assess perceived parental care and protection.
- Measured interpersonal sensitivity using the Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure (IPSM).
- Analyzed data from 469 Japanese volunteers.
Main Results:
- Higher scores on the Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure (IPSM) correlated with increased paternal protection in males (P < .01).
- Higher IPSM scores were associated with increased maternal protection in both males (P < .05) and females (P < .001).
- Males showed a combined effect of same-sex parental protection and maternal protection.
Conclusions:
- High levels of parental protection, particularly from same-sex parents, are associated with increased interpersonal sensitivity in adults.
- Maternal overprotection also contributes to higher interpersonal sensitivity in males.
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