The Interpersonal Values of Parents of Normal and Learning Disabled Children

Abstract

Gordon's Survey of Interpersonal Values (1960) was used to compare 136 parents of normal and learning disabled children. On the basis of empirical observation, item-selection X sex of parent X sex of child analysis of variance was applied to this forced-choice questionnaire to delineate repetitive patterns in the parents' value orientation systems. Compared to fathers of normal boys, fathers of LD boys scored higher on Independence (p<.02) and Leadership (p<.05) and lower on Conformity (p<.01) and Support (p<.05). Mothers of LD boys favored authoritative attitudes (p<.05); same-sexed experimental mothers valued conformity and sources of emotional and group support (p<.05).

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