A theme analysis of experiences reported by adult children of alcoholics in online support forums

Abstract

Growing up with an alcoholic parent can have a lasting effect on children and contribute to a variety of challenging outcomes in adulthood. This study identified the various experiences that adult children of alcoholics (ACoA) discuss with their peers in online support groups. Trained coders conducted a thematic analysis of504 message hoard collected over a period of 60 days from three different online support groups to identify issues that children of alcoholics face in adulthood Seven themes emerged from the analysis: (a) empowerment through support, (b) interference of parent in adulthood, (c) connection to inner child and need to re-parent, (d) low self-esteem and insecurity, (e) anger and resentment, (f) romantic relationship problems, and (g) problems communicating. The results of this study provide insight into the issues thatACoA need to address as part of their own recovery and suggest avenues of exploration for practitioners work with high-risk families.