Acceptance-rejection syndrome

A relational diagnosis composed of two complementary sets of factors. First, four classes of behaviors appear universally to convey the symbolic message that “my parent. . .” (or other attachment figure) “. . .loves me” (or does not love me-i.e., rejects me). These classes of behavior include perceived warmth/affection (or its opposite, coldness/lack of affection), hostility/aggression, indifference/neglect, and undifferentiated rejection. Second, the psychological adjustment of children and adults (defined by the constellation of seven specific personality dispositions described in personality subtheory) tends universally to vary directly with the extent to which individuals perceive themselves to be accepted or rejected in their relationship with individuals most important to them. (See syndrome)