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The Lived Experience of Adults Reflecting on Growing up with Interparental Conflict: A Qualitative Study within the Indian Context

Desai, D. (2025). The Lived Experience of Adults Reflecting on Growing up with Interparental Conflict: A Qualitative Study within the Indian Context. (Unpublished Doctoral thesis, City St George’s, University of London)

Abstract

Interparental conflict (IPC) is a robust and prevalent family risk factor for numerous problems in different spheres of children’s lives (Harold & Sellers, 2018). The influence of IPC on children is well-documented, with substantial quantitative research highlighting its effect. However, qualitative research on children’s lived experiences of non-violent forms of IPC remains limited, particularly in contrast to the more established body of work focused solely on domestic violence and more specifically is very limited within an Indian context. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, this study set out to explore the lived experiencesof Indian adults reflecting on growing up with IPC. Qualitative data using semi-structured, one-to-one interviews with eight participants were collected. Analysis led to four Group Experiential themes (GETs): “Living in a pressure cooker environment”, “Me in between oppositions”, “A childhood I didn’t have” and “The adult I have become”. These GETs and their corresponding sub-themes are discussed in relation to psychological theories, concepts and existing literature. Potential implications for clinical practice have been explored alongside limitations and directions for future research.

Publication Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman
Departments: School of Health & Medical Sciences > Department of Psychology & Neuroscience
School of Health & Medical Sciences > School of Health & Medical Sciences Doctoral Theses
Doctoral Theses
[thumbnail of Desai thesis 2025 redacted PDF-A.pdf] Text - Accepted Version
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