| Although research studies have investigated the impact of an individual’s acquired brain injury (ABI) on spouses, parents, and siblings, little is known about the experience of adolescent and emerging adult children living with a parent with an ABI. Using heuristic inquiry, this study was undertaken to provide an understanding of what it is like for adolescents and emerging adult children to grow up living with a parent with an ABI. Six sons and daughters, aged 18-32 years, who were adolescents at the time of their parent’s ABI participated in semi-structured interviews. From their narratives, four categories (Impact, Changes in Family System, External Supportive Resources, Coping) were developed to describe the related elements that constitute the experience of living with a parent with an ABI. The findings are discussed in relation to existing literature and new understandings arising from the study. Implications for theory, research, and practice are presented. |
