Dependence is a salient quality in both sexes, although it has been culturally more acceptable for women than for men to acknowledge and accept dependency. The conflict men experience with regard to dependency and the manifestations of such conflict in dependent adult behaviors were examined. Subjects were divided into a "most conflicted" and a "least conflicted" group on the basis of conflict measured by responses to the Interpersonal Attitude Survey. All subjects completed The Assessment of Significant Relationships Questionnaire and 14 subjects also completed a structured interview. No significant difference was found between the "most-" and "least-conflicted" groups on direct or indirect expressions of dependence. The structured interview, however, revealed sharp contrasts between the two groups in terms of their perceived relationships to their parents. The "most conflicted" group identified with their father, while the "least conflicted" group identified with their mothers in terms of attitudes and values, emotional expression, decision-making, role models, sexual identification, and career choice. The findings suggest a gross misfit between personality needs, social roles, and dependent behavior. (NRB)