| Summary: | This study of workplace stress in an Israeli managerial population examines, for the fIrst time, the hypothesis that parentifIcation remains an issue for parentifIed adults, and contributes to underlying stress in organisational life, particularly for managers. As a result, scales to measure this virgin territory to examine the links between parentifIcation and managerial stress were selected by extrapolating upon parentifIcation concepts present in relevant literature and observed in clinical practice. illtimately, this author created the Dialectical Model of ParentifIcation (DMP) to transpose parentifIcation dynamics to the workplace, and thus expanded upon approaches found in existing literature. ParentifIcation describes the impact upon children of being forced to assume responsibilities traditionally reserved for adults, without appropriate recognition of their efforts. This destructive role reversal leaves the children's own needs neglected and causes them to suffer short and long-term stress. However, having undertaken age inappropriate responsibilities these children also acquire valuable skills, leading to the hypothesis, explored in this study, that RarentifIcation may have some positive long-term benefIts. A cohort of 120 managers and a control group of 120 non-managers completed a questionnaire assessing parentifIcation dynamics in relation to workplace stress. Though the population examined was pri':llarily a healthy, non-pathological one, nevertheless, statistical analysis revealed that higher parentifIcation levels predicted increased stress for managers in comprehending and managing their role. This stress was also reflected in interpersonal relationships and in inappropriate expressions of anger. Notably, WOIllen suffered more stress than men. A post-quantitative data training programme (MADI), based on clinical and quantitative data and selected research scales was designed by this author to reduce management stress for those in the helping professions who are, in general, highly parentifIed. Further systematic research is necessary to assess its apparent success. This study indicates that awareness of effects of parentifIcation, and its influence on workplace stress, could enable organisations to support their employees more effectively, and in so doing, create a more productive environment.
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