Parental Acceptance and Rejection: Theory, Measures, and Research in the Arab World

Purpose. The purpose of this article is to summarize the rich and growing body of research that draws from parental acceptance-rejection theory (PARTheory) and associated measures as used throughout the Arab world. Methodology. This body of work includes more than 100 studies that explore the reliability and validity of Arabic adaptations of several measures of parental acceptance-rejection, antecedents of acceptance-rejection, and mental health and educational consequences of perceived acceptance-rejection in the Arab world. Results. Overall, Arab research provides strong support for the pan-Arab applicability of PARTheory and the research instruments derived from it. Conclusions and Recommendations. Evidence provided in this review tends to be so robust and so consistent that we believe educators, psychologists, and other professionals should feel confident developing policies and practice-applications based on PARTheory and its associated measures in the Arab world. For example, Arab educators, psychologists, and others might consider preparing written and visual materials based on evidence provided here that would provide advice and guidance to parents and other members of the general public for helping promote educational achievement and optimal mental health in children and adults throughout the Arab world.