This study assesses interpersonal acceptance-rejection theory’s (IPARTheory’s) prediction that adults’ (both men’s and women’s) remembrances of parental (both maternal and paternal) rejection in childhood are likely to be associated with adults’ fear of intimacy, as mediated by adults’ psychological maladjustment and relationship anxiety. The study also assesses the prediction that these associations will not vary significantly by gender, ethnicity, language, culture, or other such defining conditions. To test these predictions a sample of 3,483 young adults in 13 nations responded to the mother and father versions of the Adult Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire (short forms), Adult Personality Assessment Questionnaire (short form), the Interpersonal Relationship Anxiety Questionnaire, the Fear of Intimacy Scale, and the Revised Personal Information Form. Results of multigroup analyses showed that adults’ remembrances of both maternal and paternal rejection in childhood independently predicted men’s and women’s fear of intimacy in all 13 countries. However, remembered maternal rejection was a significantly stronger predictor of adults’ fear of intimacy than was remembered paternal rejection. Results also confirmed the prediction in all 13 countries and across both genders that both maternal and paternal rejection independently predicted adults’ psychological maladjustment and relationship anxiety, which in turn predicted fear of intimacy. In addition, psychological maladjustment partially mediated the relation between remembrances of maternal and paternal rejection, and adults’ fear of intimacy in all 13 countries and both genders.

This study aimed to (a) devise the Child PARQ (Child Parental Acceptance‐Rejection Questionnaire), Japanese version (Child PARQ‐J), and evaluate its construct validity; (b) select the best items for developing a shorter version; and (c) assess the reliability and validity of the shortened Japanese Child PARQ (Child PARQ‐J‐SF). The sample consisted of 603 Japanese adolescents (61% boys), aged 12–15 years (M_age = 13.95 years, SD = 0.85 years). Data were collected online by a research company using the Child PARQ‐J, the Japanese version of the World Health Organization's Well‐Being Index (WHO‐5‐J), and the Sense of Authenticity Scale (SOAS). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the proposed four‐factor model for the Child PARQ‐J. Use of the item response theory approach resulted in identical 18‐item versions of the Child PARQ‐J‐SF for both parents. Structural equation modeling demonstrated the predictive validity of the Child PARQ‐J‐SF for adolescents' sense of authenticity and well‐being. The Child PARQ‐J is a robust measure in the Japanese context, and the Child PARQ‐J‐SF is a promising tool for researchers to use for quick assessments or in studies involving multiple constructs.

This article explored the effects of perceived maternal and paternal acceptance, power, and prestige on children’s psychological adjustment. The sample consisted of 254 children (59% boys) ages 9 through 12 years (M = 10.88) from Bangladesh. The measures used were the child versions of the Parental Acceptance–Rejection Questionnaire for mothers and fathers, the youth version of the Parental Power–Prestige Questionnaire, and the child version of the Personality Assessment Questionnaire. Results showed that perceived maternal and paternal acceptance were significantly correlated with children’s (both boys’ and girls’) psychological adjustment. However, neither power nor prestige was significantly correlated with either maternal or paternal acceptance, or with children’s psychological adjustment. Results of hierarchical regression analyses revealed that both perceived maternal and paternal acceptance made significant independent contributions to children’s psychological adjustment. In addition, perceived maternal (but not paternal) power significantly moderated the relation between perceived maternal acceptance and children’s psychological adjustment.