Aim: To investigate the subjective insight into the experiences of children in families with addiction problems, and to consider risk or protection factors that affect their psychosocial development. Subjects and Methods: We used a qualitative approach, including semistructured interviews with 26 children aged 8 to 14 from families where one or both parents struggled with addiction issues. More than half of the interviewees were girls (57,69 %). Almost a half of the children (47,06 %) reported the father’s addiction, 38,24 % the mother’s addiction, and less than 3 % mentioned addiction issues of stepfathers, brothers or grandparents. Data were analyzed using open two-level coding, text marking and forming categories. Results: The family was found to be a risk factor in several areas, manifesting in family secrets, children taking on adult roles and negative parenting. Protective factors included secure attachment, resilience, sources of strength, and parental involvement in help programs for addiction problems. Conclusion: For children, the family can be both a risk and a protective factor in their psychosocial development. The involvement of parents in addiction help programs positively influences the children’s experiences.
Sorko et al. (Wed,) studied this question.