Exploring the experiences of parental attachment and familial reputation in the Indian Hindu population

Abstract

Objective: This study explored how family reputation influences parental attachment within the Indian Hindu population living in the UK. Method: Nine participants were recruited via volunteer sampling on social media (August 2022–May 2023). Semi-structured video interviews were transcribed, and analysed using constructivist grounded theory. Results: Experiences of oppression generated distrust in British society, forming close-knit communities that strongly emphasised Indian Hindu culture. Within these, pressure to maintain perfection created unattainable expectations, fostering shame, secrecy, control, and punishment. Participants described conflict between personal autonomy and family or community expectations, as they sought to balance cultural values with changing dynamics. Family reputation shaped parent–child relationships, with outcomes varying depending on parental responses to challenges to cultural norms. Some relationships became permanently strained, while others were repaired through mutual understanding of cultural struggles. Discussion: Findings highlight the detrimental impact of family reputation on attachment and the need for culturally informed clinical services that consider Indian Hindu cultural barriers within Western healthcare. Further research should explore men’s experiences and individuals of other cultural or religious backgrounds.