The Interplay of Self-Reliance, Parentification, and Attachment Style In Emerging Adults: A Mixed Method Approach

Aims & objectives:

The study aims to relate self-reliance, parentification, and attachment styles among emerging adults, and explore the experiences and underlying causes of parentification through a qualitative approach.

The primary objective is to relate self-reliance, parentification, and attachment styles among emerging adults. The secondary objectives are to explore hyper-independence among emerging adults and to understand the phenomenon of parentification.

Justification for study:

A mixed-methods approach would offer an enhanced understanding of the psychological impact of parentification and its connection to self-reliance and attachment styles. This can lead to better mental health outcomes.

Exploring hyper-independence and sibling order within the context of parentification would help broaden the understanding of caregiving dynamics, fostering greater awareness and promoting healthier family environments.

Emerging adulthood (age 18 to 29) is a period that is characterised by significant transitions like establishing a career, forming romantic relationships, and undergoing individuation. Thus, studying these variables in emerging adults provides novel insights.

By examining the role of cultural and familial expectations, the study gives an improved understanding of the interplay between the variables in collectivistic societies. These findings can be generalisable across diverse populations globally.

Procedure:

Research protocol has been reviewed by the Department Scientific Committee, Department of Clinical Psychology, MCHP, MAHE; following which, modifications and suggestions from the same were incorporated.

Once approved at the department level, the protocol was presented to the Institutional Research Committee (IRC) for clearance and appropriate approvals have been obtained. Then subsequently submitted to the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) for Ethical clearance.

The research design is Sequential Explanatory Mixed Methods. Phase 1 is the Quantitative phase and Phase 2 is the Qualitative phase. These phases will occur sequentially, with Phase 2 starting only after data collection and analysis for Phase 1 are completed.

The participants in Phase 1 will be selected through purposive sampling. The collection of data would be done through online mode using Google Forms. Informed consent will be acquired from all participants, and their confidentiality will be guaranteed throughout the study. Information, including socio-demographic details, and responses to the Self-reliance scale, Parentification Inventory (PI) and Revised Adult Attachment Scale - Close Relationships Version will be obtained from participants. Only responses from individuals meeting the inclusion criteria of phase 1 will be considered for the data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses will be conducted in line with the study objectives.

Individuals meeting the phase 2 inclusion criteria of having a score of 44 and above on the PI will be screened.  Their willingness will be confirmed through a question in the debrief form, and their email IDs and phone numbers will be collected for further communication. From this group, 12-15 participants will be chosen for the in-depth semi-structured interviews in Phase 2.

Once consent for phase 2 is obtained, interview appointments will be arranged based on the availability of both the researcher and the participants. Before each interview, the researcher will obtain verbal consent to record the session. Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the study. The interviews will be guided by a validated interview guide (approved by five experts) and conducted in English. The principal investigator will oversee the management and supervision of the audio recordings, ensuring they are handled ethically and stored securely for three years after the thesis is completed, after which they will be permanently deleted. To protect anonymity, participants will be identified using coded initials. The data collected from Phase 2 will be transcribed and analyzed using Thematic Analysis.