Children's experiences in memorable interactions with depressed parents

This study examined the experience of the functional child during interpersonal interactions with a depressed parent through the lens of Inconsistent Nurturing as Control theory (INC). Additionally the attributions and emotions of children were explored through Weiner's Attribution theory to better understand their cognitions and feelings during these interactions. The researcher asked 1) what are the communicative strategies revealed in children's descriptions of memorable interactions with a depressed parent, 2) what attributions emerge in children's descriptions of memorable interactions with a depressed parent, and 3) what emotions do children report experiencing in memorable interactions with a depressed parent. Eleven participants age 18-25 participated in a semi-structured, retrospective interview by recalling and describing a memorable interaction with their depressed parent. Interviews were transcribed and themes were created through deductive coding and a constant comparative method. Strategic categories of nurturing, control, and emotion management of the child were found. Attributions of causality, responsibility, stability, and effort were identified from the data. Finally emotions were divided into 1) emotions experienced during the interaction, and 2) children's mentality over time. Implications of the results are discussed.