BIO

Hello! My name is Lauren and I am a second-year student at Florida State from San Diego, California. I am majoring in Nursing and minoring in Psychology. After I graduate, I plan on getting experience as a Registered Nurse and doing travel nursing, and then going back to school for my Master's to either become a Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Anesthetist. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, reading books, enjoying the sunshine, and working out. I am also active in my sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. Prior to joining UROP, I had no prior experience in research, so this experience has been very interesting and rewarding.

Lack of Affirmation in Childhood and Adult Romantic Relationships​

Abstract

The developmental trajectory following early experiences varies among individuals, shaping their psychological well-being into adulthood. The family system, particularly the quality of parent-child relationships, is identified as a pivotal factor in setting the stage for defective paths, leading to psychological vulnerabilities and challenges in adult romantic relationships. Our research investigates the impact of Emotional Deprivation Disorder (EDD) during childhood on adult romantic relationships, employing a mixed methods approach that integrates quantitative data analysis with surveys and semi-structured interviews. The study aims to understand the association between a lack of affirmation from primary caregivers, EDD symptoms, and difficulties in adult romantic relationships. Empirical evidence supports the connection between parent-child relationship quality and adult romantic relationship functioning. The results demonstrate a statistically significant correlation between a lack of affirmation during childhood, EDD symptoms, and challenges in adult romantic relationships. This study contributes to developmental psychopathology by addressing the lack of a clear concept or diagnosis for an adulthood syndrome rooted in unmet emotional needs during childhood. It provides in-depth insights into couples' experiences influenced by EDD, offering valuable information for clinicians to develop treatment plans for clients with a history of affirmation deficits, benefiting both individual and couple clients struggling with interpersonal insecurities and distress.

Keywords: Emotional Deprivation Affirmation Relationships