Lived Experiences of Adults Raised in Hurried Parenting Environments: A Phenomenological Study
Abstract: The present study explored how adults retrospectively understood childhood experiences they perceived as characteristic of hurried parenting and how they perceived these experiences in relation to adult coping, stress, anxiety, emotional well-being and resilience. Existing research has examined individual parenting practices associated with childhood stress and adjustment, but less is known about how adults make meaning of multiple, overlapping experiences of childhood acceleration. A qualitative phenomenological design was adopted. Twelve adults aged 25-40 years were selected through purposive sampling. A researcher-developed 24-item screening questionnaire covering six conceptual dimensions was used for eligibility screening; it was not a validated psychological measure. Individual semi-structured interviews comprising 17 questions lasted approximately 45-60 minutes. Interview data were analysed inductively using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke (2006). Four overarching themes emerged: Childhood Replaced by Adult-Like Expectations and Responsibilities; Losing the Space to Simply Be a Child; Learning to Manage the Self Through Control, Suppression and Adaptation; and The Adult Legacy of Having Grown Up Too Soon. Participants described anxiety, perfectionistic tendencies, emotional suppression and difficulty resting or seeking support, alongside independence, discipline, adaptability, empathy, resourcefulness and resilience. The findings suggest that hurried childhood is experienced as multidimensional and context-dependent. They highlight the importance of balancing expectations and responsibility with autonomy, emotional support, rest, play and developmentally appropriate childhood experiences. As the study relies on retrospective accounts, it does not establish causal relationships.
Keywords: Hurried parenting; hurried child; lived experiences; phenomenology; coping; resilience; adult psychological functioning
How to Cite?: Celiz Pinto, Dr. Richa Gupta, "Lived Experiences of Adults Raised in Hurried Parenting Environments: A Phenomenological Study", Volume 15 Issue 10, October 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1041-1045, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR261015164118, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR261015164118