Eighteen young men and women whose parents had major affective
disorders, often in combination with other serious psychiatric disorders,
were selected from a larger sample on the basis of their good behavioral
functioning as adolescents at initial assessment. When they were reassessed
an average of 2 1/2 years later, 15 of the 18 were still functioning well.
Considerable self-understanding, a deep commitment to relationships, and
the ability to think and act separately from their parents characterized
these young people. Many of them were taking care of their ill parents. The
implications of these findings for preventive and clinical intervention are
discussed.
Abstract Teaser