This looks interesting, though it is not for free, one has to purchase the article ...
The Parentified Child: Early Competence or Childhood Deprivation?
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Bryanne Barnett a1 and Gordon Parker a1
a1 School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
Abstract
A review of the psychological, psychiatric, and social science literature revealed that parentification and role-reversal are terms that are used extensively, often without precise definition, although the implication is almost invariably that the process is pathogenic. An organismic rather than mechanistic view of the situation might suggest that, as is so often the case, whether the effects are adverse or not depends on a multitude of other factors. The final outcome for any individual can only be judged at the end of his or her life-span and the judgement will be largely subjective.
Key Words: Parentification; role reversal; attachment; boundary violation; resilience; vulnerability.