Deep Structure of the Human Affectional System: Introduction to Interpersonal Acceptance–Rejection Theory

Abstract Interpersonal acceptance–rejection theory (IPARTheory) proposes that across cultures and other sociodemographic groups, interpersonal acceptance and rejection consistently predict the psychological and behavioral adjustment of children and adults (Rohner, 1986, 2004). The goals of this article are to provide a description of the major tenets of IPARTheory, summarize findings from empirical tests of the theory, and suggest future directions tied to the other articles in this special collection as well as for the field moving forward.