The Hidden Reality of Child-to-Parent Aggression Involving Adopted Children Aged 10 and Under

Abstract

Current research on child-to-parent aggression (CPA) focuses on adolescents, despite evidence that such behaviors emerge earlier. This study conducted in the United Kingdom (UK) explored CPA from the perspective of adopters of children aged 10 years and under. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA; Braun & Clarke, Citation2024). Themes highlighted the multiple ways that CPA is hidden within societal and systemic frameworks, contributing to psychological and emotional impacts on adopters. Clinical and policy implications highlight the need for recognition of CPA in younger children and tailored systemic support.