TY - JOUR
T1 - Relational trajectories in families with parental mental illness
T2 - a grounded theory approach
AU - Patrick, Pamela Marie
AU - Reupert, Andrea E.
AU - McLean, Louise A.
PY - 2020/7
Y1 - 2020/7
N2 - Background: Adult children of parents with mental illness experience a myriad of complex emotions as they attempt to make meaning of the lived experiences of their parents. A crucial time for adult children is emerging adulthood, a time when they move away from their family of origin and establish their own identity and independence. Despite existing research that provides a static description of adult children's lived experiences, the literature lacks an explanatory theory about the dynamic, relational processes that occur as adult children progress from one life stage to the next. Methods: The current study aimed to develop an explanatory theory of the relational trajectory that adult children might experience as they course through adulthood and parenthood over time. Semistructured interviews using grounded theory analysis were conducted with 10 adult children aged between 27 and 51 years old. Results: Three key phases within the Relational Trajectory Model (RTM) were identified: (i) confusion, (ii) contemplation, and (iii) reconciliation. By reflecting on their own parenting role, adult children were able to reach an evolved parental identity, with the majority of participants also making relationship reparations with their parents with mental illness. Parallels are drawn to theories of identity and intergenerational family systems to further explain and substantiate the processes encompassed within the RTM. Conclusion: Generating an explanatory theory serves as a potential guide for mental health professionals working with families with parental mental illness, by drawing attention to the intricacies of familial relationships and interpersonal ties.
AB - Background: Adult children of parents with mental illness experience a myriad of complex emotions as they attempt to make meaning of the lived experiences of their parents. A crucial time for adult children is emerging adulthood, a time when they move away from their family of origin and establish their own identity and independence. Despite existing research that provides a static description of adult children's lived experiences, the literature lacks an explanatory theory about the dynamic, relational processes that occur as adult children progress from one life stage to the next. Methods: The current study aimed to develop an explanatory theory of the relational trajectory that adult children might experience as they course through adulthood and parenthood over time. Semistructured interviews using grounded theory analysis were conducted with 10 adult children aged between 27 and 51 years old. Results: Three key phases within the Relational Trajectory Model (RTM) were identified: (i) confusion, (ii) contemplation, and (iii) reconciliation. By reflecting on their own parenting role, adult children were able to reach an evolved parental identity, with the majority of participants also making relationship reparations with their parents with mental illness. Parallels are drawn to theories of identity and intergenerational family systems to further explain and substantiate the processes encompassed within the RTM. Conclusion: Generating an explanatory theory serves as a potential guide for mental health professionals working with families with parental mental illness, by drawing attention to the intricacies of familial relationships and interpersonal ties.
KW - Adult children of parents with mental illness
KW - Emerging adulthood
KW - Grounded theory analysis
KW - Intergenerational families
KW - Qualitative research
KW - Relational trajectory
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85087455793&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1186/s40359-020-00432-2
DO - 10.1186/s40359-020-00432-2
M3 - Article
C2 - 32611368
AN - SCOPUS:85087455793
VL - 8
JO - BMC Psychology
JF - BMC Psychology
SN - 2050-7283
M1 - 68
ER -