Borchet, J., Lewandowska-Walter, A., Polomski, P., Peplinska, A., & Hooper, L. M. (2020). We are in this together: Retrospective parentification, sibling relationships, and self-esteem. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 29, 2982-2991. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-020-01723-3

Parentification occurs when roles of parents and children are reversed, such that children act like parents in their family unit. It can occur across a variety of family situations and influence children in both negative (e.g., interfering with their development, removing their ability to participate in age-appropriate behaviors and activities) and positive ways (e.g., improving self-esteem or their perception of themselves). However, the link between parentification and potential positive outcomes is not well understood. Using data from 218 young adults in Poland who were asked to retrospectively report on their experiences growing up, this study used family systems theory to explore the connection between perceived benefits of parentification and self-esteem, while examining the quality of sibling relationships (i.e., cohesion, communication, and rivalry) as a linking mechanism between these variables. The results show that positive sibling relationships can help explain the perceived benefits of parentification for one’s self-esteem.

We are in this together: Retrospective parentification, sibling relationships, and self-esteem

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