How am I supposed to become an adult if I never got to be a child? : A study on the nonnormative transition to adulthood among dandelion children from adverse childhoods

The purpose of this study is to examine the process of becoming an adult for individuals who identify as "maskrosbarn" (literally "dandelion child")—a Swedish term referring to individuals with parents struggling with substance abuse, mental illness or who subject them to violence - with a particular focus on their personal narratives. The findings of the study are based on the coding, interpretation, and analysis of six qualitative, semi-structured interviews. Four of these interviews were conducted with individuals who themselves "maskrosbarn", while the remaining two interviews involved a representative from the organization Maskrosbarn and one of their child advocates. The child advocate has experience supporting young people up to the age of 19 in their interactions with public authorities. The study reveals that individuals with a dandelion child-background face distinctly different conditions in their transition to adulthood. The analysis shows that mental health challenges, trauma, poor economic circumstances, the need for therapeutic treatment, difficulties in navigating bureaucratic systems, and a limited capacity to meet the societal expectations placed on adults have delayed or hindered the interviewees' ability to initiate their adult lives. The findings differ from prior research on the transition to adulthood among young people, as this study highlights that the target group often does not develop an adult identity until they have received treatment for childhood trauma and obtained the necessary support to achieve independence from their parents. Consequently, the process of becoming an adult tends to be significantly more difficult for dandelion children compared to peers from stable family environments. The study concludes that in order for dandelion children to establish a stable adult identity, they must be given the opportunity to develop both the practical aspects of adulthood; such as assuming responsibility, acquiring adult competencies, and fulfilling societal obligations—as well as emotional maturity.