Date of Conferral
10-26-2025
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Psychology
Advisor
Leann Stadtlander
Abstract
Childhood emotional abuse may be underreported and unnoticed. The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to examine whether shared family identity (SFI) with an emotionally abusive childhood caregiver was linked to self-censorship of social and political opinions in adulthood. The study also examined whether this relationship is intensified among those with a strong sense of SFI with that caregiver. Linear multiple regression analysis of survey data collected from 119 participants, recruited through Survey Monkey Audience, revealed that willingness to self-censor was significantly shaped by the interaction between SFI and emotional abuse, especially overcontrol. Although SFI is often seen as a marker of intimacy with primary childhood caregivers, findings suggest that high SFI may intensify self-censorship when paired with a history of overcontrol from those caregivers. Drawing on spiral of silence and communication accommodation theories, results indicate that self-censorship may function as a learned survival strategy rather than a conscious choice. By uncovering links between emotional abuse, family identity, and political self-censorship, this study offers insights to foster positive social change through emotionally safer environments, to support authentic expression, and to promote more inclusive democratic representation.
Recommended Citation
Theryon, Jillian, "Shared Family Identity and Emotional Abuse From a Childhood Caregiver as Predictors of Self-Censorship Willingness" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 18574.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/18574
