Abstract
Using a shortened form of the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) (Pedersen, 1994), the
present study examined the link between the quality of perceived parental relationships
and psychological and university adjustment in first-year students. The study examined
the response profiles of 121 first-year university students aged 17 to 50 and compared the
results to data from a large Australian normative study (Cubis et al, 1989). Links between
parental style and levels of psychological and university adjustment were then examined,
as were links between personality style and levels of psychological and university
adjustment.
Significant differences between the subjects in the present study and the subjects in the
normative study were found. One-way analysis of variance highlighted the contribution of
four particular parental styles to levels of psychological and university adjustment.
Results are discussed in relation to previous research and implications for university
students' counselling services.
