Object relations theory of mate selection uses several concepts to describe the dynamics of selecting a spouse: collusion, ambivalence and idealization. From these three concepts hypotheses were developed and tested using the Leary Interpersonal Checklist. / Each respondent answered the adjective checklist from five perspectives: self, ideal self, mother, father, and fiance. The hypotheses generated were operationalized around the interaction of self perspectives, parent who one is most and least like, and the fiance's views. With the couple as the unit of analysis, and the interaction of 10 scores on each hypothesis, a test of intraindividual dynamics was conducted. / Thirty-two never previously married, engaged couples randomly selected from a pool of 105 volunteer couples completed the questionnaire. A test of the predictability of the three concepts was not supported. The statistical evidence is rather strongly opposite of the direction predicted in the hypotheses. / This research provides a challenge to object relations theory of mate selection for more concrete conceptualization of the abstract clinical ideas. It further suggests the theory may not be as applicable to non-clinical populations in explaining mate selection phenomena. / Since the sample is older with a mean age of 22 and the majority not in college, the study avoids two typical biases of previous engagement research. The theoretical and therapeutic implications of the descriptive and empirical findings are discussed. Limitations of the sample and the findings are presented as a caution in generalizing on the data. / Suggestions for future research include the need for more parsimonious and measurable definitions from object relations theory. Further, possibilities of combining the concept of introjected models with standardized projective tests and the emerging use of family genograms are presented. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 44-06, Section: B, page: 1944. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1983.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_75113 |
| Contributors | DAVIS, WILLIAM SHUFORD., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 172 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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