ABSTRACT
The premise and starting point for this, and probably any, discussion of parenting is a simple one. Individual differences in parenting depend on who the parent is, first, as an individual psychological agent and, second, as a partner in close relationships. All the intrinsic qualities that shape an individual’s psychological functioning-his or her personality and temperament, physical and mental health, intelligence, maturity, gender, physical attractiveness and so on-will also shape what kind of partner he or she is in close relationships. These same qualities will also influence what kind of partner he or she chooses for close relationships, as well as the quality of the relationship the two co-create. Every close relationship, in turn, has important effects on the Psychological well-being and functioning of each partner.
