ABSTRACT
The phenomenon of parentification is commonly observed in families with dysfunctional parents, such as those experiencing parental mental illness. However, the concept of parentification remains a subject of ongoing debate across different cultural contexts. This qualitative study examined the lived experiences of parent–child dyads to explore parentification in Chinese families experiencing parental depression. Using purposive sampling, families were recruited from community mental health service facilities in Hong Kong, specifically targeting parents diagnosed with major depressive disorder and their adolescent children. Data were collected from 14 families through in-depth semi-structured interviews with adolescents (n = 8), parents (n = 12) and dyads (n = 8). Thematic analysis provided insights into the dynamics of parentification within these families. Three interrelated themes emerged: eagerness to retain parenthood, children’s agency to respond to parental depression and dyadic tacit compromise. This study advocates for the re-conceptualisation of parentification as a form of ‘shared family care,’ emphasising a culturally nuanced understanding of caregiving dynamics within Chinese families affected by parental depression. By reframing parentification through this lens, this study provides valuable insights that can inform Indigenous social work practitioners and researchers in developing culturally sensitive approaches to support these families.