Influence of hyperprotection (overexactness) on marital problems

• Main Author: Sergey A. Kapustin
• Format: Article
• Language: Russian
• Published: Lomonosov Moscow State University 2016-03-01
• Series: Nacionalʹnyj Psihologičeskij Žurnal
• Subjects: normal personality; abnormal personality; parenting styles; hyperprotection; overexactness; parent-child problems; marital problems
• Online Access: http://npsyj.ru/pdf/npj-no21-2016/npj_no21_2016_062-069.pdf

As it was mentioned in one of the previous papers, basic styles of parenting in families with parent-child problems were hyperprotection and overexactness. Another paper described a new so-called existential criterion of normal and abnormal personality based on the works of Erich Fromm. Applying this criterion to personality evaluation of overprotecting and overexacting parents in families with parent-child problems showed that their personality could be identified as abnormal. Research on the influence of hyperprotection and overexactness at children personality development in these families, where existential criterion was also applied, showed that these parenting styles contribute to promoting child specific abnormal personality types: oriented on external assistance, oriented on compliance with other people’s requirements and oriented on protest against such compliance. In the present study, the direct or indirect hyperprotection or overexactness in 80 per cent of cases was observed. Direct hyperprotection or overexactness means that theyare clearly determined in relationship of the married couple. Indirect hyperprotection or overexactness indicates that the couple has abnormal personality types that date have roots in the childhood under the influence of the hyperprotection and overexactness. Classification of these cases was developed, based on various types of direct or indirect input of hyperprotection and overexactness in emerging marital problems. A variety of problems in couples are shown to be closely connected with abnormality of their own personality or the personality of their immediate environment, primarily wives, husbands and parents.