CHFA | Psychology Department Showcase: Projects In-Progress
Maternal Care, Adult Disposition, and Perceptions of Control
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Psychology
Minor
Sociology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Amanda Joyce, PhD
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Maternal Care, Adult Disposition, and Perceptions of Control
This study explores the relationship between perceived maternal nurturance, temperament, and locus of control in adulthood. The way individuals perceive their maternal figure’s nurturance may play a significant role in shaping temperament, ultimately influencing personality traits, as well as the sense of control over life circumstances. This study aims to investigate how perceptions of maternal nurturance affect various aspect of temperament such as effortful control, orienting sensitivity, extraversion, and negative affect, and whether these perceptions contribute to the development of an internal or external locus of control. This study hypothesizes that a positive perception of maternal nurturement will be positively associated with effortful control, orienting sensitivity, extraversion, and an internal locus of control while negative perception of maternal nurturement will be positively associated with negative affect and an external locus of control. Data-collection is ongoing with 37 participants so far from current Murray State University students through survey methodology. The results of this study may provide deeper insight into how early perceptions of maternal care shape long-term personality development, including temperament, and perceptions of control. The findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of the multidimensional factors that influence individual differences in temperament and locus of control, enhancing psychological knowledge of the long-term implications of perceived maternal care. Results from this research will be presented during Scholar’s Week and will offer valuable implications for developmental psychology, particularly in the context of maternal influences on personality formation.
Key Words: Maternal Nurturance, Perceived Maternal Care, Temperament, Locus of Control, Effortful Control, Extraversion, Negative Affect, Orienting Sensitivity, Parenting Styles, Personality Development, Child Development, Parental Antecedents
Spring Scholars Week 2025
Psychology: Projects In-Progress
Maternal Care, Adult Disposition, and Perceptions of Control
Maternal Care, Adult Disposition, and Perceptions of Control
This study explores the relationship between perceived maternal nurturance, temperament, and locus of control in adulthood. The way individuals perceive their maternal figure’s nurturance may play a significant role in shaping temperament, ultimately influencing personality traits, as well as the sense of control over life circumstances. This study aims to investigate how perceptions of maternal nurturance affect various aspect of temperament such as effortful control, orienting sensitivity, extraversion, and negative affect, and whether these perceptions contribute to the development of an internal or external locus of control. This study hypothesizes that a positive perception of maternal nurturement will be positively associated with effortful control, orienting sensitivity, extraversion, and an internal locus of control while negative perception of maternal nurturement will be positively associated with negative affect and an external locus of control. Data-collection is ongoing with 37 participants so far from current Murray State University students through survey methodology. The results of this study may provide deeper insight into how early perceptions of maternal care shape long-term personality development, including temperament, and perceptions of control. The findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of the multidimensional factors that influence individual differences in temperament and locus of control, enhancing psychological knowledge of the long-term implications of perceived maternal care. Results from this research will be presented during Scholar’s Week and will offer valuable implications for developmental psychology, particularly in the context of maternal influences on personality formation.
Key Words: Maternal Nurturance, Perceived Maternal Care, Temperament, Locus of Control, Effortful Control, Extraversion, Negative Affect, Orienting Sensitivity, Parenting Styles, Personality Development, Child Development, Parental Antecedents