Separation Anxiety and the Dread of Abandonment in Adult Males [Hardcover]

Gwendolyn Stevens (Author), Sheldon Gardner (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0275946096 | ISBN-13: 978-0275946098 | Publication Date: May 25, 1994

This work presents a new theory of personality development for males, one that emphasizes gender differences in biological maturation and in socialization practices that pressure boys to become emotionally independent too soon. Stevens and Gardner believe that in extreme cases males grow up harboring a primitive, unconscious dread of being abandoned that prevents them from handling separation experiences successfully. As women become more assertive in relationships, there are more female-terminated relationships, especially divorces. As psychologists, Stevens and Gardner noticed that rejected husbands were often more at risk than their estranged wives because most men are victims of the traditional socialization techniques that deny them easy access to emotional expression and support groups. Drawing from a range of disciplines, including sociology, primatology, anthropology, and psychology, the authors draw portraits of common male personality types, many of which are ill-equipped for self-fulfilling independent adult life.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

A penetrating look at the psychological pitfalls for adult men of severed relationships and the reasons why men have such difficulty overcoming the obstacles that preclude the formation of meaningful longterm social ties.

About the Author

GWENDOLYN STEVENS is a Professor of Psychology and Director of Academic Resources at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut.

SHELDON GARDNER is a clinical psychologist in the Mystic, Connecticut area.
Together, they have written four books on psychology: The Care and Cultivation of Parents, Women of Psychology (2 vols.), and Red Vienna and the Golden Age of Psychology (Praeger, 1992).

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Praeger (May 25, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0275946096
• ISBN-13: 978-0275946098
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,364,975 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)