Abstract
The present study examined the relation between anthropophobic tendencies and internal images of parent-child relationships from the viewpoint of internal working models. Images of parent-child relations were assessed both on the cognitive level and also on a projective level for the purpose of accessing internalized experiences. On the basis of scores on an anthropophobic-tendency questionnaire, 40 high scorers (H group) and 39 low scorers (L group) were selected from 153 university students, and the results from a questionnaire on parent-child relations and a kinetic family drawing recollection method were compared. On the questionnaire, the high group showed higher scores on distrust toward their mothers, while showing the same high scores on intimacy as the low group. The high group showed lower intimacy toward their fathers, and higher distrust and fear scores. In their family drawings, the high group expressed more difficulty communicating with their parents. It was suggested that (1) the high group's images of parent-child relations do not consist of positive elements, and (2) the high group did not have enough experience being with acceptable parents. The discussion suggested that anthropophobic tendencies are related to insecure internalized images of parent-child relations, which function as a basic pattern for interpersonal relationships.
