Beyond the invisible. Young adult children of parents with mental illness: Exploring risks and resources

Abstract Objective This study explored risk and resources of children of parents with mental illness (COPMI). Background COPMI often face psychological distress and setbacks in education, careers, and relationships. They may take on premature parental roles due to limited professional support. Despite these challenges, there is scant literature on coping strategies and resources. Method This study of 40 young adult COPMI aimed to (a) explore risks like psychological distress and early caregiving responsibilities (parentification), alongside resources such as coping strategies and posttraumatic growth (PTG); (b) compare these factors between those with and without professional support; and (c) examine how parentification and resources relate to psychological distress. Results The findings indicated that parentification correlated with higher psychological distress, whereas PTG correlated with lower distress. Moreover, those with professional support showed higher PTG levels than those without. Conclusion This research underscores the unmet needs of COPMI, often overlooked by psychological services and literature despite their complex caregiving roles and life challenges. Implications This study shed light on the characteristics of the intervention provided for this population, highlighting the critical need for tailored support systems that not only address psychological distress but also foster resilience and growth.