Lessons learned from victimised adults in Taiwan: what does it mean to repair parent–child relationships?

Abstract

Exposure to domestic violence can lead children to adopt specific roles or behaviours to cope with violent situations, which can have detrimental effects on their lives and require significant resources to address. Domestic violence can also severely damage the parent–child relationship. Adults who experienced childhood abuse often feel the need to repair these relationships, but the lack of trust in the abusive parent makes this process particularly challenging. This study aims to explore the subjective interpretations and experiences of victimised adults in Taiwan as they work to restore parent–child relationships following the cessation of domestic violence. Employing a hermeneutic phenomenological approach, the researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with eight participants. Data analysis yielded three overarching themes related to the interpretation of restored parent–child relationships and eight themes pertaining to the experiences of restoring these relationships. These themes revealed that the core theme of the experience of restoring parent–child relationships among adults who experienced childhood abuse is ‘forgiveness and rebirth’. The study's findings emphasise that the restored parent–child relationship is not an ideal one but rather a relationship that acknowledges the limitations of both parents and children. It is a relationship where children can demonstrate filial piety without being undifferentiatedly obedient. In the context of Chinese culture, where relationships hold great significance, the researcher suggests that relational resilience serves as the driving force that enables family systems to progress towards relational wellbeing. Mental health practitioners must recognise and respect the client's cultural identity. When assisting adults who endured childhood domestic violence in mending their parent–child relationships, efforts should focus on fostering self-in-relation to promote their wellbeing.