Personality theorists have suggested the critical importance of parenting characteristics on the development of a child's personality. Missildine's (1963) classification of parenting characteristics and their effects on the adult personality were investigated using an experimental measure, the Inner Child Inventory (ICI), to assess perceived parental characteristics and current personality. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) was used as a second measure of personality functioning. Subjects were 150 clients of a university counseling center. Results yielded three clearly distinguishable parenting patterns: (1) overcoercive, perfectionistic, punitive, neglectful parenting; (2) oversubmissive and overindulgent parenting; and (3) mutually respectful parenting. Multivariate analyses revealed significant personality correlates in respondents associated with each perceived parenting pattern. Findings suggest that parenting patterns are identifiable and have different effects on developing personalities, and that the ICI appears to be a broad pathology indicator and measure of ego strength, useful for psychotherapy prognosis and planning. (Author)