The mediating role of shame and guilt in the relationship between parentification and separation-individuation

In this study, the main purpose was to explore the mediating roles of shame and guilt in the relationship between parentification and separation-individuation. In order to measure the relationships between variables, data was collected through an online survey with the participation of 384 individuals between ages 18 and 58. Parentified Child Scale-Adult Version, Separation-Individuation Inventory, The Trait Shame and Guilt Scale and Demographic Information Form were used to assess these variables respectively. Quantitative research methods were used through the SPSS : 1) correlational analysis of study variables with each other were performed, 2) mediation analysis was performed for the mediating role of shame and guilt on the relationship between parentification and separation-individuation issues, 3) means of demographic informations and study variables were compared for their possible contribution. The findings suggested that all study variables had significant and positive relationships among themselves. Therefore, there was a significant and positive relationship between parentification and separation-individuation issues. In addition, according to mediation analysis, it was observed that parentification significantly predicted shame and did not significantly predict guilt. However, when shame and guilt were taken into equation at the same time, both emotions were found to have a positive and significant partial mediating role in the relationship between parentification and separation-individuation issues. Finally, all findings were discussed in reference to existing literature and implications along with future directions were presented. Keywords: Guilt; parentification; role reversal; separation-individuation; shame