Caring for Aging Parents After Childhood Maltreatment: A Qualitative Study of Japanese Adult-Child Caregivers.

Abstract

Objectives: Research on adult-child caregivers with childhood maltreatment (CM) histories has been conducted predominantly in North America. This qualitative study examined the psychological conflicts and protective factors among Japanese adult-child caregivers with CM histories.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 Japanese adult-child caregivers (5 men, 5 women; mean age = 60.40, SD = 6.13). Data were analyzed using the Modified Grounded Theory Approach.

Results: Caregiving often reactivated negative childhood emotions, suggesting that unresolved trauma may also be reactivated in East Asian contexts. Even among caregivers with CM histories, those with emotionally responsive childhood memories, rather than material provision alone, maintained positive feelings toward parents that supported caregiving. When such emotional bonds were absent, external social support helped sustain caregiving; however, caregivers without either resource, relying solely on self-demanding beliefs, faced serious health risks.

Conclusions: Reactivation of unresolved childhood experiences during caregiving may occur across cultural contexts, while emotionally responsive childhood memories and external social support are key protective factors enabling continued caregiving.

Clinical implications: Healthcare and welfare professionals should recognize that caregivers with CM histories may face hidden vulnerabilities and benefit from proactive, outreach-oriented, and trauma-informed support.