The Impact of Parental Chronic Illness on Children: Experiences of Young Adults

Abstract

An exploratory study with the aim to understand the lived experiences of 12 young adults (4 males and 8 females) between the age group of 16 to 25, growing up with parents having physiological chronic illness. Data collection and analysis was done through semi structured interviews and thematic analysis respectively. The main challenges that are faced by participants with respect to their parent’s illness are identified as educational, social and financial. The study also focuses on understanding of their ways of coping with aforementioned challenges. Self-care social and familial support and avoidance are the major coping strategies. Finally, the participant’s emotional and psychological states are discussed, with focus on themes such as feelings of helplessness and victimization, fear of future manifestation of illness and also development of maturity.