TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2018//
TI  - "I feel it in my heart when my parents fight": experiences of 7-9-year-old children of alcoholics
JO  - Child and adolescent social work journal
A1  - Tinnfält, Agneta
A1  - Fröding, Karin
A1  - Larsson, Madelene
A1  - Dalal, Koustuv
SP  - 531
EP  - 540
VL  - 35
IS  - 5
N2  - Children are vulnerable when exposed to parental alcohol abuse. Although much is known about children of alcoholics (COA), research examining the experiences of younger COA is scarce. To gain knowledge of the consequences for these children, it is important to ask the children themselves. This study explored the consequences for a child of having an alcoholic parent, from the point of view of 7-9-year-old COA. Eighteen children were interviewed, whose alcoholic parent was undergoing treatment, using a vignette. In the analysis, using qualitative content analysis, the findings show that the children of this young age had much experiences and took a great responsibility for their alcoholic parent, and the family. The most significant feeling of the children was a feeling of sadness. They tried to control the situation in different ways. They wished for a change in the future, but despite problems in the family they described things they did together with a loving parent. Implications include the importance of listening to and supporting all COA, also children as young as 7-9 years old. Further studies should address the support that can and should be offered to COA.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0738-0151
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10560-018-0544-6
ID  - ref1
ER  -