The Link Between Parentification and Imposter Phenomenon In Young Adults

Abstract

The current study investigated how parentification is associated with the impostor phenomenon in young adults. The study hypothesized that (1) Parent-focused parentification would predict impostor phenomenon in young adults, and (2) Sibling-focused parentification would also predict impostor phenomenon in young adults. A sample of 157 young adults from various universities in Karachi, aged between 18 to 25 years with a mean age of 20.63 (SD = 1.528), was used to test these hypotheses. The Parentification Inventory (PI; Hooper, 2009) and Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS; Clance, 1985) were employed to measure these constructs. Statistical analysis of linear regression found out parent-focused parentification (R2= .141, F= 25.542, p <.01) and sibling focused parentificantion (R2= .127, F= 22.751, p <.01) as significant predictors of impostor phenomenon which indicated that, experience of parentification contributes to impostor phenomenon young adults.  Implications of findings of the present study are discoursed and ways for the future research have been recommended.