Emergent issues in families experiencing adolescent‐to‐parent abuse

Abstract

Episodes wherein adolescents verbally, physically, or emotionally abuse their parents require scholars to consider the relational dynamics in these family systems. The purpose of this study was to explore adolescent‐to‐parent abuse through the victims’ reports, identifying recurring issues to increase understanding of this form of domestic abuse. Data were drawn from in‐depth, face‐to‐face interviews with 20 parents whose adolescents had verbally, physically, and emotionally abused them. A qualitative/interpretive method was used to analyze these data. The results identified the following issues: (a) the progression and escalation of abuse episodes; (b) abused parents’ perception of their parental role within the family; and (c) abused parents’ perception of their parental role outside the family. These findings reflect how adolescent‐to‐parent abuse impacts family relationships.