Exploring Narratives of Adolescent-to-Parent Abuse

Background and Purpose: Adolescent-to-parent abuse (APA) is an often hidden form of family abuse that evidences a breakdown in the parent-child relationship with damaging effects on the physical and emotional well-being of parents and youth.  This study aimed to examine the experiences of parents affected by APA, the effects on the parent-child relationship, and on parent identity.  It also explored how APA influenced the relationship dynamics during conflicts, how parents managed these conflicts, and how parents viewed their power within these interactions. 

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 parents who resided in two major cities in the US (Seattle, WA and NYC).  The sample is predominantly female (67% female, 33% male) and White (67% White, 22% Latino, 5% Black, 5% Mixed Race). Over half of the participants were married (61% married, 22% divorced, and 17% single).  Of the adolescents that engaged in APA, 83% were male and 17%  female, ranging from 11 to 17 years of age.  Most of the youth were 15 – 17 years of age.

Parents were recruited through two social service interventions that worked with families through brochures, flyers, and informational presentations.  Interviews allowed parents to share their experiences of APA including the evolution of the abuse, the impacts of the abuse, the influence on the relationship dynamics, and the views of power between parents and youth.  A phenomenological framework and thematic analysis were used to identify and develop three major themes. Living in uncharted territory explored the parents’ lived experiences with APA and the impact on their well-being, relationship with their adolescent, parenting and parent identity.  The impact of APA on family dynamics, used a family systems theoretical framework to unpack the relational processes that undergird APA.  Seeking help showed parents’ journeys as they navigated various service systems to find help that would address APA. 

Findings: Findings showed that parents experienced significant emotional and physical abuse, further compounded by the negative effects on the parent-child relationship, parenting, and parent identity.  Parents also reported additional harmful effects on their other children.  Mothers were found to be primarily affected by APA, which notably influenced their views on power in the parent-child relationship.  Parents’ experiences trying to find services to address their needs was fraught with difficulty. APA is a problem that is not adequately addressed, or even understood, across service providers in the mental health, education, child welfare, and juvenile justice systems.  Parents made recommendations for increasing awareness of APA among families and practitioners. 

Conclusion and Implications: This study highlights the needs of parents affected by APA, and sheds light on the gendered nature of APA and the implications for mothers who are more likely to experience APA.  It also identifies the inadequate and fragmented response across service providers to this serious problem.  Finally, it raises greater awareness for the need to develop policies and interventions that support and protect parents that are being abused and that provide families with therapeutic and restorative strategies for breaking out of negative conflict patterns and developing healthier relationships.