Counseling Psychology

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Parental Affectionate Communication and Youth Fear of Relational Intimacy
(2012) Vartan, Grace
Based on results of previous western research, associations regarding three dimensions (parental affectionate communication, maternal affectionate communication, paternal affectionate communication) and two measures of fear of intimacy (Part A and B) and perceived intimacy of others were assessed in a sample of Lebanese university females and males (N=205). Perceived intimacy of others was measured by the use of a photograph of a couple in an intimate setting. Participants rated the intimacy of the couple. There were 4 hypotheses. 1 predicted a negative relationship between paternal affectionate communication and fear of intimacy. 2 predicted a negative relationship between paternal affectionate communication and male fear of intimacy. 3 A stronger negative relationship was predicted between maternal and female fear of intimacy compared to males. 4 A negative correlation was predicted between fear of intimacy and perceived intimacy of others. Bi-variate correlations, and linear regression were conducted to test for the hypotheses. Results tended to fully support H1 and H3 and partially supported H2 and H4. The role of maternal affectionate communication was inferred from the partial significance of H2. Male self-disclosure patterns explained the partial significance for H4. Results across gender of parent and gender of adults are discussed further.