Abstract
The objectives of the present study were (a) to develop a nurturance scale, and (b) to investigate factors determining nurturance and influences of past experiences on nurturance. The nurturance scale, which included items regarding empathy and skills that cultivate sound growth, was composed of the following 4 subscales : empathy (9 items), skills (7 items), preparedness (4 items), and non-acceptability (5 items). After the reliability and validity of the scale were confirmed, the present study investigated determinants (gender and sibling status) and other influences of past experiences on nurturance. Undergraduates (N=239) participated in the study. The results demonstrated that (a) the females showed higher nurturance levels than the males, (b) the female first-children tended to show higher levels on the “skills” subscale compared to the participants with other sibling statuses (p<.10), (3) the females showed higher levels of influence of past experiences than the males did, and (4) the type of experiences varied according to sibling position (first, middle, last, or only child). The results of the present study suggest that determinants of nurturance vary by gender and sibling position. In addition to individuals’ relations with their parents, their relations with their siblings and teachers appear to influence nurturance, as does their experience owning pets.
