Inversion of parent-child relationships: a contribution to attachment theory.

Bowlby describes premature parental behaviour in children when discussing the inversion of parent-child relationships. Normal parental behaviour in children is discussed. Pathological parental behaviour in children is viewed as basically elicited by the weak, infantile aspects of parents. A case history is presented. Premature parental behaviour is viewed as one of several binding mechanisms which may keep a child tied to his/her family of origin.