FINDING STRENGTH: COPING PATHWAYS IN CHILDREN OF PARENTS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

Abstract

Children growing up with parents who experience mental illness face heightened risks of psychological distress, social difficulties, and intergenerational transmission of vulnerability. Yet, many also demonstrate remarkable resilience, drawing on diverse coping pathways that foster adaptation and growth. This paper explores the mechanisms by which these children navigate adversity, focusing on individual coping strategies. A purposive sample of 12 children and adolescents (7 girls & 5 boys) whose parents are suffering from common to severe mental illness were selected from in and out-patient psychiatric units of Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan (Punjab, Pakistan). Age range of the participants was from 11-17 years (M_age = 13.2, SD_age = 2.3). Semi-structured interview guide and demographic information sheet was used to collect data. All the interviews were analyzed using reflective thematic analysis (RTA). Following seven super themes, Growing Up Too Soon: Taking on Adult Roles, Coping in Silence: Concealment and Isolation, Living with Uncertainty, Finding Anchors: Supportive Relationships and Safe Spaces, Escaping and Releasing: Personal Outlets for Coping, Reframing the Story: Meaning-Making and Resilience, Religiosity and Gratitude were emerged. This study underlines the importance of targeted interventions that strengthen coping skills, enhance protective relationships, and promote pathways toward positive development. By reframing the narrative from risk to resilience, this study contributes to a strengths-based understanding of children of parents with mental illness and informs future mental health policy and practice.