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Abstract
The aim of our study was the analysis of long-term sequelae of emotional parentification in childhood. Two samples (n = 500 each) were examined via the internet regarding parentification and perceived love in childhood, as well as other childhood experiences such as abuse, having been raised by a single parent and parental loss, as well as adult depressive and vegetative symptoms and pain. A questionnaire set containing 280 items was filled out. Emotional parentification in childhood, maternal as well as paternal, was found to be a strong predictor of depression in adulthood. Indicators of somatization showed associations in the same direction, but these were much weaker. Also, associations between paternal parentification and vegetative symptoms, as well as between maternal parentification and pain in adulthood could be observed. Perceived love from the father during childhood was one of the protective factors for development of various problems in adult life. The results indicate the necessity of directing more attention, both clinically and empirically, towards emotional parentification.