Examining the construct of childhood parentification : an empirical investigation

Williams, Kristen (2010) Examining the construct of childhood parentification : an empirical investigation. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Parentification refers to an experience whereby children take on adult roles in childhood. Two questionnaire-based studies designed to address two areas of parentification research were conducted. To help explain the divergent psychological outcomes of parentification, Study 1 tested internal locus of control as a moderator in the relationship between parentification and outcome in a sample of undergraduate students (N = 99). Internal locus of control moderated the relationship between parentification and depression, suggesting that higher internal locus of control is related to lower levels of depression following childhood parentification. To bring further delineation to the parentification construct, Study 2 examined a number of theorized family functioning correlates of parentification in samples of adolescent (N = 92) and adult participants (N = 80). Results from Study 2 suggest that childhood parentification is often found in mutually unsupportive family systems, where physical and emotional needs are unmet, and parents demonstrate reduced care for their children. Findings from both studies bring further understanding to the construct of childhood parentification.

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