Generational boundary distortions by adult children of alcoholics: Child-as-parent and child-as-mate

Abstract

The present study examined whether adult male and female children of alcoholic and nonalcoholic parents (N=30/group) differentially exhibit generational boundary distortions. On an objective parentification measure, the female adult children of alcoholics showed significant signs of having assumed excessive caretaking responsibilities in their families-of-origin. A subsample was also administered a projective measure of boundary distortions (child-as-parent and child-as-mate). Significantly more male and female adult children of alcoholics exhibited distortions than the comparison group. Differential results for male and female adult children of alcoholics on the objective and projective indices of boundary distortions are discussed.