Parental Love and Human Development: Implications of Parental Acceptance­ Rejection Theory

This article presents an overview of Parental Acceptance­ Rejection (PAR) Theory, its consequences for life-span human development, and implications for research and clinical practice. Compelling empirical evidence across an array of measurement modalities supports PAR Theory's prediction that perceived parental rejection in childhood has consistent negative effects on psychological adjustment and behavioral functioning of children and adults worldwide. Overall, parental acceptance-rejection seems to be heavily implicated in offspring's health, well-being, and in a number of psychological and behavioral problems including substance abuse, depression, conduct disorder, and delinquency.