City Research Online

Abstract

In recent years, the ‘Eldest Daughter Syndrome’ has gained attention online as women worldwide share their experiences of parentification, burden and responsibility as the eldest daughter. Among these are British South Asian (BSA) first-born eldest daughters, whose experiences within this role are uniquely shaped by the intersections of gender, culture and migration. Despite the online visibility of these experiences, they remain absent within parentification literature due to little research on the intersections of parentification and birth order and dominance of quantitative enquiry.

This qualitative study had three aims: (1) To explore the parentification experiences of first-born eldest daughters from BSA backgrounds, (2) To understand the factors influencing parentification experiences (3) To identify any emotional and psychological impact. Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) was used to analyse ten semi-structured interviews (online and in-person) with BSA women aged 19 to 40. Participants identified as British Indian (n = 4), British Bangladeshi (n = 3), British Pakistani (n = 2) and British Afghan (n = 1).

Five themes were constructed: ‘Growing Up Too Soon,’ ‘The Daughter That Does It All,’ ‘The Mental, Emotional and Relational Impact,’ ‘Making Sense of What Happened,’ and ‘Always the Eldest: Looking to the Future Ahead.’ The findings provide unique insight into the experiences of parentified eldest daughters, capturing participant reflections on their experiences across childhood into adulthood, highlighting both challenges and positives. It is hoped that the findings will inform future research and offer valuable understanding for mental health professionals working with this specific population.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races
Departments:	Doctoral Theses School of Health & Medical Sciences > Department of Psychology & Neuroscience School of Health & Medical Sciences > School of Health & Medical Sciences Doctoral Theses

Export

Downloads