The Influence of Parentification, Chronic Abuse, and Alienation on Identity and Depression: A Case Study Using Existential Analysis

Abstract

This thesis explores the psychological influences of parentification, chronic abuse, and alienation in a case study of one adult participant living with depression and identity struggles. The research addresses a gap in understanding how individuals experience depression in the context of parentification, chronic abuse, and alienation through an existential framework. This case study thus aimed to explore the lived experience of one participant with depression and identity, uncovering subjective meanings and informing clinical practice through an existential lens.

Using a qualitative case study approach, data was collected from session transcripts, clinical session notes, and reflective journals throughout my work with this participant as a clinical psychologist in training at an approved training site over the course of 5 months. The data was analyzed using MAXQDA 2024 and Merriam and Tisdell’s 5 step approach to qualitative analysis.

Findings showed main themes of lack of security, identity disruption and reconnection, interpersonal needs and ruptures, and therapeutic processes and change.

As such, the participant’s experience of parentification, chronic abuse, and alienation have led to her lived experience of depression according to the major themes of identity disruption and relational needs and ruptures.