Parentification, Perceived Stress, and Disruptive Behavior in Adolescents

Shabeena Nadeem; Anum Rabbani; Iqra Saeed

doi:10.54938/ijemd-ss.2026.05.6.883

Authors

Shabeena Nadeem Department of Clinical and Professional Psychology, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
Anum Rabbani Department of Clinical and Professional Psychology, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
Iqra Saeed Department of Clinical and Professional Psychology, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54938/ijemd-ss.2026.05.6.883

Keywords:

Parentification, Perceived Stress, Disruptive Behaviour, Adolescents, Mediation

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine how parentification and perceived stress impact adolescents' psychological and behavioural adjustment. This study explored the associations between parentification, perceived stress, and disruptive behaviour, and the predictive and mediating effects of these variables. The method of the research was descriptive cross sectional, purposive sampling was used for gathering samples, the number of samples obtained was 250.The methods used were descriptive cross sectional design, purposive sampling was used for sampling. The Parentification Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and Disruptive Behaviour Scale were used to collect the data. The SPSS Version 26 was used for descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, regression analysis and Hayes’ PROCESS Macro (Model 4). Results showed that parentification was not a significant predictor of perceived stress and disruptive behaviour. Perceived stress, however, was a strong predictor of disruptive behaviour. Indirect effect of parentification on disruptive behaviour via perceived stress was also non-significant. Impression of stress seems to be a key factor related to disruptive behaviour among adolescents, while the impact of parentification could differ based on contextual and cultural factors. The results emphasize the need for stress reduction and psychological health promotion initiatives for youth in Pakistan.

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