Parentification in the Experience of Polish Adolescents . The Role of Socio-demographic Factors and Emotional Consequences for Parentified Youth

Parentification happens when children take on parental duties, which leads to role reversal between children and their parents. Parentification has multiple causes and can have a short- and long-term negative impact on parentified children. This study examined prevalence and correlates of parentification in Polish adolescents. The study included 557 16-year-old students in four types of Polish high schools. Results indicate that parentification is present to a considerable degree and may negatively affect students’ school functioning and affective well-being.