Interpersonal Acceptance-Rejection: Disclosing Rohner’s Subtheories in Peter Carey’s The Unusual Life of Tristan Smith

Acceptance and Rejection are the key concepts that influence an individual’s psychological and emotional well-being. Interpersonal Acceptance-Rejection Theory (IPAR Theory) postulated by Ronald P. Rohner and his colleagues offers a framework for understanding the intense influence of interpersonal acceptance and rejection on individuals’ psychological and social outcomes. Understanding the dynamics of Interpersonal Acceptance-Rejection is crucial for fostering inclusive and supporting circumstances. This paper does the same by disclosing and contextualizing Rohner’s Subtheories in Peter Philip Carey’s The Unusual Life of Tristan Smith. Through his writings, Carey delves into the complex workings of his character’s psyche, thereby giving scope for the readers to explore the interior lives of his characters – their desires, fears, inner conflicts and motivations. The Unusual Life of Tristan Smith is a picaresque narrative that centres on Tristan, the titular character born with physical deformities. The complexities of his life in a society that is obsessed with physical perfection raise questions about the conventional notions of Acceptance and Rejection. This paper highlights the Acceptance-Rejection phenomena in Tristan’s life and their implications.