Life strategies of parentified children of parents with mental illness in the transition to adulthood: between self-sacrifice and disengagement
Children of parents with mental illness face profound psychosocial challenges. As they transition into adulthood, they navigate boundaries, reassess obligations, and establish independence. Despite its significance, this phase remains underexplored, particularly regarding coping strategies for balan...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Taylor & Francis Group
2025-12-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Adolescence and Youth |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/02673843.2025.2531110 |
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| Summary: | Children of parents with mental illness face profound psychosocial challenges. As they transition into adulthood, they navigate boundaries, reassess obligations, and establish independence. Despite its significance, this phase remains underexplored, particularly regarding coping strategies for balancing responsibility and autonomy. This study employs an interpretative-hermeneutic approach, integrating fine-structure and system analysis, to examine 11 biographical-narrative interviews with siblings from four families (aged 20–35) in Germany and Austria. Findings reveal a deep sense of duty to parents and siblings, often at the expense of well-being. Education emerges as a key mitigating factor. Three life strategies are identified: (1) Self-Sacrifice – prioritizing caregiving over personal needs; (2) Balance – reconciling caregiving with self-preservation; (3) Disengagement – severing ties to protect autonomy. Strategy selection depends on familial support, with those receiving less tending towards self-sacrifice or balance. These findings illuminate the intricate dynamics of responsibility and autonomy in young adults with mentally ill parents, highlighting the need for tailored support. |
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| ISSN: | 0267-3843 2164-4527 |