Background Parentification involves children assuming adult-like responsibilities within the family and has been linked to both adverse and adaptive psychological outcomes. However, the interpersonal mechanisms underlying its association with emotional well-being remain insufficiently understood. Methods This study examined the associations between different forms of childhood parentification and depression and anxiety in a sample of 448 Turkish university students (mean age = 20.95 ± 1.57), with particular attention to the mediating roles of interpersonal relationship styles and problem-solving styles. Results Parent-focused parentification was positively associated with depression (r = .094, p = .046) and anxiety symptoms (r = .181, p < .001). Interpersonal relationship styles mediated the associations between parent-focused parentification and depression and anxiety symptoms; toxic relationship styles showed a stronger mediating effect for depression (indirect effect = 0.036, 95% CI [0.0110, 0.0678]) and served as the sole mediator for anxiety (indirect effect = 0.040, 95% CI [0.0160, 0.0950]) while nourishing relationship styles demonstrated a weaker negative indirect effect on depression compared to toxic relationship styles (indirect effect = -0.030, 95% CI [-0.0598, -0.0098]). Sibling-focused parentification was associated with anxiety (r = .113, p = .023) but not depression. In contrast, perceived benefits of parentification were negatively associated with depression (r = − .295, p < .001) and anxiety (r = − .168, p < .001) and positively associated with nourishing relationship styles (r = .314, p < .001). Problem-solving styles did not emerge as significant mediators. Conclusions The findings suggest that the psychological effects of parentification are shaped primarily by interpersonal relationship dynamics. Toxic relationship styles appear to play a key role in linking burdensome caregiving roles with depression and anxiety. These results highlight the importance of strengthening healthy interpersonal relationship patterns and supporting young adults who have experienced high levels of parent-focused parentification. Interventions that focus on improving relational boundaries, enhancing emotional support, and fostering more adaptive relationship styles may help mitigate the long-term mental health risks associated with early caregiving responsibilities, while promoting the potential protective benefits of meaningfully perceived parentification experiences.

When caring becomes a burden: childhood parentification and its links to relationship styles, depression, and anxiety in young adults

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2026年2月6日

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Erdal Görkem Gavcar,
Erdoğan Gavcar

摘要

Background

Parentification involves children assuming adult-like responsibilities within the family and has been linked to both adverse and adaptive psychological outcomes. However, the interpersonal mechanisms underlying its association with emotional well-being remain insufficiently understood.

Methods

This study examined the associations between different forms of childhood parentification and depression and anxiety in a sample of 448 Turkish university students (mean age = 20.95 ± 1.57), with particular attention to the mediating roles of interpersonal relationship styles and problem-solving styles.

Results

Parent-focused parentification was positively associated with depression (r = .094, p = .046) and anxiety symptoms (r = .181, p < .001). Interpersonal relationship styles mediated the associations between parent-focused parentification and depression and anxiety symptoms; toxic relationship styles showed a stronger mediating effect for depression (indirect effect = 0.036, 95% CI [0.0110, 0.0678]) and served as the sole mediator for anxiety (indirect effect = 0.040, 95% CI [0.0160, 0.0950]) while nourishing relationship styles demonstrated a weaker negative indirect effect on depression compared to toxic relationship styles (indirect effect = -0.030, 95% CI [-0.0598, -0.0098]). Sibling-focused parentification was associated with anxiety (r = .113, p = .023) but not depression. In contrast, perceived benefits of parentification were negatively associated with depression (r = − .295, p < .001) and anxiety (r = − .168, p < .001) and positively associated with nourishing relationship styles (r = .314, p < .001). Problem-solving styles did not emerge as significant mediators.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that the psychological effects of parentification are shaped primarily by interpersonal relationship dynamics. Toxic relationship styles appear to play a key role in linking burdensome caregiving roles with depression and anxiety. These results highlight the importance of strengthening healthy interpersonal relationship patterns and supporting young adults who have experienced high levels of parent-focused parentification. Interventions that focus on improving relational boundaries, enhancing emotional support, and fostering more adaptive relationship styles may help mitigate the long-term mental health risks associated with early caregiving responsibilities, while promoting the potential protective benefits of meaningfully perceived parentification experiences.