A PRELIMINARY QUALITATIVE STUDY TO UNDERSTAND HOW THE YOUTH IN URBAN MALAYSIA EXPERIENCE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIPS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35631/IJEPC.1163017Keywords:
Attachment, Ambiguous Loss, Depression, Emotional Invalidation, Parent-Child RelationshipAbstract
Many Western studies have shown the associations between attachment and youth depression. However, in the context of a collective culture such as Malaysia, how youth experience the parent-child attachment or relationship is different. It is even less understood from the perspective of youth who are diagnosed with depression. Thus, this study aimed to explore the preliminary understanding of how youth with depression experience the parent-child relationship. Using a qualitative case study design, two participants aged 25 were purposively selected based on age, clinical diagnosis, and family living arrangements. Data from semi-structured interviews were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that yearning for emotional validation and emotional security in the parent-child relationship seemed to be vulnerable for the youth with depression. Participants have similarly highlighted the distance with fathers due to the societal and traditional role of father as the provider of the family. However, the bonding evolved as more practical support from fathers was involved. The results suggest that emotional security, birth order, practical support and the sickness of parents can be areas for further research in the context of understanding youth depression. The findings cannot be generalized to all youth in Malaysia, since cultural and regional differences are widespread.
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