Psychology
Georgian families analyzed in the framework of systems theory are described as a system.
Fifty-five families were studied in the framework of cross-cultural project (jointly with Leiden University) funded by INTAS. Respondents estimated a self-perception, their perceptions to the family members. Three type of congruence was calculated. The age of respondents was found as a main factor. Children under seventeen demonstrated the least congruence. The amount of self-disclosure did not influence congruence. No positive bias was revealed by family members - all of them evaluated others more favorably than themselves. The youngest child was estimated the most and the father the least positively by other members.
The results allow us to conclude that learning of perception continues until the age of seventeen and family can be considered as a lab where, through open communication and feedback, perception and cultural norms of interpersonal relationships are learned.
Iv. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University
Leiden University