Abstract:

This study aims to examine the role of the children in the family of origin and the definition of these roles, the parent attitudes that affect the formation and perpetuation of these roles, and the manner in which childhood roles are carried into adult life. The phenomenological model, a qualitative research method, was used in this study to obtain in-depth information about the subject. “Personal Information Form” and “Open-ended Questions List” were used as data collection tools. The study group consisted of 110 people, of whom 91 (82.7%) were women and 19 (17.3%) were men. The obtained data were analyzed using the MaxQDA – Version 2018 software. The observations resulting from the study included that the hero child role comes with assuming responsibility, parent-like attitudes, and a mediator role in the family system and that the attitudes of such children’s parents attribute more power and responsibility to the child in question. It was observed that the scapegoat children describe themselves as problematic, rebellious, and a burden, and their parents treat them with neglect, abuse, emotional absence, and incrimination. On the other hand, lost children are those who are ignored, easy going, and inhibited. Mascot children regard themselves as the ones who give joy and lighten the mood in the family, who are enthroned, and who are the little ones. Parental attitudes determining children’s roles and reflections of children’s roles on adult life are discussed.

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