ABSTRACT
Objective
The present study examined how emerging adults’ perceived parentification and parental affection toward themselves and their sibling after parental divorce are associated with mental health so that researchers and practitioners can better understand the influence of sibling dynamics in this process.
Background
Although parentification may be prevalent within the context of parental divorce, little is known about how perceived sibling parentification and parental affection (i.e., individual and sibling) are related to individuals’ reports of mental health for those who have experienced parental divorce.
Method
The sample consisted of 106 emerging adults with a living biological sibling and parents who divorced. Hierarchical regressions were used to investigate associations among levels (i.e., individual and sibling) and differences (i.e., individual versus sibling) in self-perceived post-divorce parentification and parental affection and outcomes (i.e., current symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress).
Results
Higher reports of self-perceived parentification were significantly related to higher reports of participants’ depressive and stress symptomology. Greater self-perceived parental affection for siblings had a significant positive relationship with the aforementioned outcomes.
Implications
Important implications on the potentially long-lasting effects of perceived parental treatment are included for divorce education facilitators and family therapists working with divorcing parents.