Toxic Parenting: An Exploration of Issues and Consequences for Young Adults

Abstract

Toxic parenting, marked by harmful and inappropriate parenting practices, significantly affects person’s psychological, emotional, and social well-being. This qualitative study explores the consequences of toxic parenting on young adults through in-depth interviews with 10 individuals who experienced such parenting in childhood. Using social work methods, the study captured personal narratives to understand coping mechanisms both positive and negative employed by the participants. Findings reveal patterns of emotional, physical, and psychological abuse, contributing to long-term mental health issues and impaired social functioning. The study underscores the role of adverse childhood experiences, with toxic parenting identified as a critical factor leading to depression, anxiety, and difficulty in forming healthy relationships. It highlights the need for increased awareness, supportive services, and various social work interventions to address and mitigate the effects of toxic parenting.