Date

10-14-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Jonathan Green

Keywords

alcohol, ACOAs, parenting practices, parenting styles, parent-child dynamics

Disciplines

Counseling | Psychology

Abstract

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand how the influence of growing up with an alcoholic parent influenced one’s parenting practices and the parent-child dynamic. This study explored the lived experiences of adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) as it related to their alcoholic parents’ parenting practices and styles. This study also explored how the participants’ childhood experience affected their relationship with their children and subsequently influenced their own parenting practices and styles. Bowlby’s attachment theory and Bowen’s family systems theory guided this study. Attachment theory was used as it is a key factor in building relationships between the parent and child. Bowen’s family systems theory was used because it focuses on the individual as a part of the whole family system. This transcendental phenomenological study involved eight participants who grew up with an alcoholic parent and now have at least one child between the ages of 12 and 17. Online individual interviews and focus groups served as the main sources of data collection, and Moustakas’ modification of the Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen method was used to properly analyze the data. Results showed that ACOAs experienced a harsh upbringing during childhood that included an unstable home environment and chaotic parenting. Findings also showed that through support systems and therapy, ACOAs found a new way to parent that was rooted in open communication and providing a safe environment. These findings fill a gap in the literature, provide a peek into the life of an ACOA parent, and showcase the importance of supporting ACOAs during their journey of parenthood.

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