Thesis Defense - Lale Hanöz (MSPSYC)

You are cordially invited to join the online M.A. thesis defence by Lale Hanöz on Monday May 23, 2022 at 01:00 pm. 

The title and abstract are below.

The exam can be viewed online from the link below.

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89041310108?pwd=0B6iBi9xh-8JnB0NkuloR0BfipbA8i.1 

Passcode: 415778

Thesis Subject: “Parentification of Adult Siblings with Typical Development of Individuals with Special Needs”……………………

Thesis Advisor: Asst. Prof. Dr. Senem Zeytinoğlu Saydam

Abstract: 

Parentification is defined as a reverse in the roles of a child in the family where there is an inverted hierarchy between parents and children (Hooper, 2007a). Systemic perspective seeks to understand the reason of parentification, why it appears in the moment and what function it contains for the family. Having a child with special needs in the family affects family system in various ways. Thus, the purpose of the study is to explore the caregiving experiences of young adult siblings with typical development of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual Disabilities (ID). These experiences are interpreted using the systemic theory, ecological systems theory and the term parentification. The results indicate that young adult siblings with typical development experience parentification towards their siblings with special needs as well as to their parents. According to the emerged themes, the siblings with typical development perceive both positive aspects of parentification such as a strong sibling relationship, a special communication, developing empathy skills whereas challenging aspects of parentification such as sacrificing their own needs. Siblings of typical development who have families that lack a sufficient support from each parent show parentification towards their parents as well. Additionally, having a sibling with special needs have effects on future expectations such as roles in couple relationships, spousal choice, having a child. In conclusion, siblings with typical development experience parentification by caregiving their sibling with special needs and their parents. The experience of parentification has influences on a wide area of their life. Further research should be conducted with a larger number of people and higher number of brothers to understand the gender effect on the caregiving practices.

Keywords: parentification, siblings with typical development, siblings with special needs, systemic perspective, qualitative

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