Relationships with parent figures can result in a somewhat confused influence. For example, an introvert father may communicate consciously or subconsciously that he expects the child to act in an introvert way, and only value them when this behaviour is exhibited. The pressure therefore exists for the child to value introvert behaviour feelings and thoughts. However, it is possible that a child acting in such an introvert manner may not feel valued or obtain the love and discipline required from the introvert father, who may be undemonstrative in normal relations. In this case, the child may learn to act in an extrovert way in order to get attention - even 'bad' attention is better than 'no' attention.
Parental influences can also be healthy, and often are.
There can be a synergy between parental expectations and the natural preferences of the child, or, better still, the parent may encourage the child to recognise and develop his or her own unique set of preferences.