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Vuxna maskrosbarns erfarenheter av att växa upp med en alkoholmissbrukande förälder - En kvalitativ studie om coping och resiliens

Nyholm, Sigrid LU and Nagel, Cleo LU (2026) SOPB63 20252
School of Social Work
Abstract
This study aimed to highlight the experiences of adults who grew up with a parent suffering from alcohol abuse, to contribute to a deeper understanding of the long-term effects of such childhood conditions, with a particular focus on coping strategies and resilience. The study was based on qualitative research and semi-structured interviews with now adults who grew up with one or both parents abusing alcohol. The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis, guided by an initially inductive and subsequently abductive analytical approach. The findings showed that the coping strategies developed during childhood were often necessary and functional responses to an unpredictable and unsafe home environment. Common strategies included... (More)
This study aimed to highlight the experiences of adults who grew up with a parent suffering from alcohol abuse, to contribute to a deeper understanding of the long-term effects of such childhood conditions, with a particular focus on coping strategies and resilience. The study was based on qualitative research and semi-structured interviews with now adults who grew up with one or both parents abusing alcohol. The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis, guided by an initially inductive and subsequently abductive analytical approach. The findings showed that the coping strategies developed during childhood were often necessary and functional responses to an unpredictable and unsafe home environment. Common strategies included emotional distancing, avoidance, early responsibility-taking, and performance-oriented behaviour, often connected to school or extracurricular activities. While these strategies served as protection during childhood, they frequently persisted into adulthood, where they could manifest as hyper-independence, difficulties with trust, and a strong need for control in close relationships. At the same time, the results also demonstrated expressions of resilience. In adulthood, several participants described a redefinition of earlier coping strategies through therapy, boundary-setting, and conscious life choices, including parenting practices and professional roles. Overall, the findings suggested that long-term support and recognition of both vulnerability and strength are essential to prevent children from carrying disproportionate responsibility and
emotional burden into adulthood. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Nyholm, Sigrid LU and Nagel, Cleo LU
supervisor
organization
course
SOPB63 20252
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
parental abuse, long-term effects, coping strategies, resilience
language
Swedish
id
9219581
date added to LUP
2026-01-24 11:40:15
date last changed
2026-01-24 11:40:15
@misc{9219581,
  abstract     = {{This study aimed to highlight the experiences of adults who grew up with a parent suffering from alcohol abuse, to contribute to a deeper understanding of the long-term effects of such childhood conditions, with a particular focus on coping strategies and resilience. The study was based on qualitative research and semi-structured interviews with now adults who grew up with one or both parents abusing alcohol. The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis, guided by an initially inductive and subsequently abductive analytical approach. The findings showed that the coping strategies developed during childhood were often necessary and functional responses to an unpredictable and unsafe home environment. Common strategies included emotional distancing, avoidance, early responsibility-taking, and performance-oriented behaviour, often connected to school or extracurricular activities. While these strategies served as protection during childhood, they frequently persisted into adulthood, where they could manifest as hyper-independence, difficulties with trust, and a strong need for control in close relationships. At the same time, the results also demonstrated expressions of resilience. In adulthood, several participants described a redefinition of earlier coping strategies through therapy, boundary-setting, and conscious life choices, including parenting practices and professional roles. Overall, the findings suggested that long-term support and recognition of both vulnerability and strength are essential to prevent children from carrying disproportionate responsibility and
emotional burden into adulthood.}},
  author       = {{Nyholm, Sigrid and Nagel, Cleo}},
  language     = {{swe}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Vuxna maskrosbarns erfarenheter av att växa upp med en alkoholmissbrukande förälder - En kvalitativ studie om coping och resiliens}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}