Life Stressors Of Adult Children of Alcoholics
Life Stressors of Adult Children of Alcoholics
Angenette Ferrette
Norfolk State University
Author Note Angenette Ferrette, Department of Urban Education, Norfolk State University. Correspondence concerning this paper should be addressed to Angenette Ferrette, Department of Urban Education, Norfolk State University, 700 Park Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23504. E-mail: a.ferrette@spartans.nsu.edu.
Abstract This essays addresses key alcoholic parental behaviors that negatively impact children and follow them through adulthood. It is not suggested that all children that grow up in a home with alcoholic parental influence will experience psychological issues; it is to point out the ways in which unhealthy behaviors and practices in the home may increase the probability of life stressors in children.
Introduction Life stress is typically defined by a count of negative life events endorsed by participants, which lead to internal distress (Grekin, 2005). Negative family influences such as unhealthy family behaviors and practices, family genetics and family environment can lead to increased stress in the life of children. By young adulthood, children of alcoholic parents are more prone to psychological and physical distress, emotional problems, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem (Chassin, 2004). Accumulated stresses over time, including minor ones (called “daily hassles”), are more devastating than an isolated major stress. Almost every child can withstand one stressful event, but repeated stresses make resilience difficult (Berger, 2011). The role that a parent plays in the development of a child is very important. It is through relationship experiences with their parents that a child finds a sense of security and self-esteem. The way in which that relationship develops has a huge impact on a child’s ability to cope with complex problems. The environment that a child lives in
Angenette Ferrette
Norfolk State University
Author Note Angenette Ferrette, Department of Urban Education, Norfolk State University. Correspondence concerning this paper should be addressed to Angenette Ferrette, Department of Urban Education, Norfolk State University, 700 Park Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23504. E-mail: a.ferrette@spartans.nsu.edu.
Abstract This essays addresses key alcoholic parental behaviors that negatively impact children and follow them through adulthood. It is not suggested that all children that grow up in a home with alcoholic parental influence will experience psychological issues; it is to point out the ways in which unhealthy behaviors and practices in the home may increase the probability of life stressors in children.
Introduction Life stress is typically defined by a count of negative life events endorsed by participants, which lead to internal distress (Grekin, 2005). Negative family influences such as unhealthy family behaviors and practices, family genetics and family environment can lead to increased stress in the life of children. By young adulthood, children of alcoholic parents are more prone to psychological and physical distress, emotional problems, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem (Chassin, 2004). Accumulated stresses over time, including minor ones (called “daily hassles”), are more devastating than an isolated major stress. Almost every child can withstand one stressful event, but repeated stresses make resilience difficult (Berger, 2011). The role that a parent plays in the development of a child is very important. It is through relationship experiences with their parents that a child finds a sense of security and self-esteem. The way in which that relationship develops has a huge impact on a child’s ability to cope with complex problems. The environment that a child lives in
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