Childhood Antecedents of Dehumanisation in Adult Romantic Relationships

Overview

This groundbreaking study, a collaborative effort between the University of Minnesota and Deakin University, has garnered significant attention since we published it, including 52,000 upvotes on the popular subreddit r/science and several features by prominent journalists. It offers a pioneering exploration into how early childhood experiences influence dehumanisation in adult romantic relationships.

Utilising data from the Minnesota Longitudinal Study of Risk and Adaptation (MLSRA), the research examined the early life interactions of 109 individuals, focusing on maternal care and empathy during infancy and early childhood. As adults, these individuals and their romantic partners participated in video-recorded conflict discussions, where instances of dehumanisation perpetration were meticulously analysed.

A key finding of this study is the significant role maternal hostility plays as a predictor of dehumanisation behaviours in later romantic relationships. This correlation persisted even after accounting for various factors, including the romantic partner’s behaviour and demographic variables. This research is the first of its kind to trace the origins of dehumanising actions in adult relationships back to early childhood, highlighting the profound and lasting impact of early life experiences on interpersonal dynamics decades later.

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