This study explored the trust subjects experience for a significant other and for oneself. Twelve people were chosen to participate in the study. Six subjects identified themselves as having been raised in high functioning families of origin. High functioning is defined as a family that offers its members clear boundaries, nurturing, encouragement and discipline. Six other subjects were interviewed who identified themselves from low functioning families of origin and who have less than twelve months of recovery. Recovery was defined as regular attendance at meetings for Adult Children of Alcoholics or for Co-dependents. Two specific problems were explored. First, to articulate any possible relationship that may exist between the way subjects trust themselves and trust a significant other. Secondly, to cite any differences or similarities regarding the experience of trust by participants from low functioning families of origin and participants from high functioning families of origin. The study includes narrative profiles of interviews and common themes that were generated. Participants from both groups reported considerable difficulty in regard to offering themselves adequate encouragement, employing discriminate boundaries and integrating self-discipline. Participants from low functioning families also expressed dissatisfaction with their willingness and ability to nurture themselves. While participants self-identified from high functioning families reported satisfaction with their willingness and ability to nurture themselves. Participants from both groups reported dissatisfaction with encouragement received from a significant other when that other was a male spouse. Both groups also cited resistance regarding the employment of discriminate boundaries and initiating confrontation with their significant other when that other was a spouse. Participants from dysfunctional families reported feeling dissatisfied with the level of nurturance received from significant others when that other was a friend or a spouse. Participants from high functioning families reported feeling generally satisfied with the level of nurturance they received from significant others. Both groups expressed satisfaction with the level of mutual self-disclosure when the significant other was a friend. The study yielded several conclusions. Dysfunctional patterns of distrust were expressed by members of both groups. Potential for distrust appeared to increase with the likelihood of increased intimacy. In general, participants' experiences of dyadic trust reflected their experience of self-trust. Twelve-step meetings appeared to be a useful educational intervention for heightening consciousness regarding dysfunctional patterns of dyadic trust and self-trust.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UMASS/oai:scholarworks.umass.edu:dissertations-8019 |
| Date | 01 January 1991 |
| Creators | Dunion, Paul Joseph |
| Publisher | ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst |
| Source Sets | University of Massachusetts, Amherst |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Source | Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest |
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