Forgiveness of Adult Children Toward Their Alcoholic Parents

Abstract

Children raised in homes with alcohol dependence often experience relational transgressions at the hands of their alcoholic parents. While much research has been dedicated to the exploration of the lasting effects of parental alcoholism on children into adulthood, little focus has been given to the presence of forgiveness in these relationships. The purpose of this study was to explore the motivations for (un)forgiveness, communication of forgiveness, and relational consequences of (un)forgiveness of adult children toward their alcoholic parents. Twenty participants shared their stories of growing up with an alcoholic parent and described their experiences with (un)forgiveness. Findings show that participants were motivated to forgive their parents as a result of reframing, desire for personal well-being, faith, and the recovery of the alcoholic. The most common strategy for forgiveness expression was indirect tactics, followed by direct and semi-direct expression. Findings and implications for practitioners are discussed.