Growing Up with Parental Mental Illness and Post-Traumatic Growth

Globally, it is estimated that 4-23% of children have at least one parent who experiences a mental illness. Whilst the negative effects of growing up with a parent with a mental illness (PWMI) are well documented, potential positive effects such as building resilience, independence or empathy are often overlooked (Kinsella et al., 1996). Adopting a post-traumatic growth (PTG) framework, this study examined the positive effects of growing up with a PWMI. Adult participants who grew up with a PWMI (N = 71) and those who did not but still experienced a different type of highly stressful life event (N = 75) completed a survey about their parents' mental health conditions, their own mental health status, and the Post-Traumatic Growth Index. Results showed participants who grew up with a PWMI had significantly higher levels of personal strengths compared to participants who did not. Among those who grew up with a PWMI, participants who did not have a mental illness themselves had significantly higher levels of personal strengths than those who had a mental illness. No other significant findings were found across the groups. This study provides proof-of-concept for the applicability of PTG theory to the largely overlooked, yet important area of mental health. The results suggest that growing up with PWMI may help build resilience through dealing with adult-like situations and effectively coping with adversities, provided that people have sufficient personal resources.