Förändring pågår : Ungas syn på stöd och kunskap när en förälder missbrukar eller lider av psykisk sjukdom.

Sammanfattning: The aim of this thesis is to study young people's views on support, knowledge and change. The eight participants in this interview study are between 14 and 19 years old and they share the experience of growing up in a family where a parent is a substance misuser or mentally ill. Childhood sociology has been used as a theoretical framework. The main finding is that emotional and practical support based on the young person's needs and knowledge based on the ideas of empowerment and agency promotes change. The four most important insights according to the young persons are: My parent has got a problem. It is not my problem. I choose my own life. I am not alone. The theoretical perspective of childhood sociology suggests that positive change is possible when the young persons are seen as competent and active participants in their own life and when their value as human beings is acknowledged by those who aim to support them.