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Parental Overinvolvement: A Qualitative Study

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Abstract

This qualitative study examines the cognitive, emotional, and relational characteristics among biological, foster, or adoptive parents viewed as over-involved by 15 well-regarded professionals and 30 peer-nominated mental health clinicians (perceived as the “best available” professionals in the service of adults with developmental disabilities). Results suggest that over-involved parents (a) have tunnel vision in their outlook; (b) overemphasize the functional age of their adult child at the expense of the chronological age; (c) believe they need to be involved in every decision; (d) make decisions based on their own personal needs; (e) distrust providers; (f) have not processed their grief; (g) exhibit anger and frustration and are rarely satisfied; (h) exhibit poor communication skills; and (i) are inconsistent and demanding. The interview data also revealed cognitive, emotional, and relational characteristics among those viewed as healthy parents. As a result, healthy parents (a) express appreciation (b) encourage risk-taking; (c) place value on the adult son’s or daughter’s chronological age; (d) hold a realistic view of adult child’s goals; (e) accept mistakes; (f) are emotionally independent; (g) are guided by facts rather than emotions; (h) live balanced and satisfied lives; (i) possess strong communication skills; (j) demonstrate flexibility; and (k) believe in the importance of a good working alliance. Strategies for clinicians to educate parents and recommendations for future research are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN, USA

    Daniel J. van Ingen

  2. Chrestomathy, Inc., 7465 Eden Prairie Road, Eden Prairie, MN, 55346, USA

    Daniel J. van Ingen & Linda L. Moore

  3. Chrestomathy Center, Chrestomathy, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA

    Joseph A. Fuemmeler

Authors
  1. Daniel J. van Ingen
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  2. Linda L. Moore
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  3. Joseph A. Fuemmeler
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Correspondence to Daniel J. van Ingen.

Additional information

Daniel van Ingen coordinates the PTSD clinic at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan and is the clinical research director for Chrestomathy Center for the Treatment and Study of DD and SPMI. Linda Moore is executive director of Chrestomathy, Inc. and the Center for the Treatment and Study of DD and SPMI. Joe Fuemmeler is Program Director for Chrestomathy Center, a day program in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Preliminary aspects of the data contained in this manuscript were presented at the 114th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association on August 11th, 2006 in New Orleans, LA, USA.

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van Ingen, D.J., Moore, L.L. & Fuemmeler, J.A. Parental Overinvolvement: A Qualitative Study. J Dev Phys Disabil 20, 449–465 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-008-9113-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-008-9113-9

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