Language brokering experience, attachment style, role reversal, parentification, self-efficacy and wellbeing : a retrospective study

This study explored positive and negative experiences of language brokers (16-62 years; M=25.02, SD=9.21) in an Australian sample (N=99; 76 females and 23 males). Further, it also explored the relationship between language brokering with attachment style, role reversal, parentification, self-efficacy and psychological well-being. Self-identified language brokers retrospectively recalled their language brokering experiences. Positive relationship was obtained between frequency of language brokering and parentification and language brokering and role reversal with both father and mother. Further, higher level of role reversal was found to predict insecure attachment. Though hypothesised, a significant negative relationship between frequency of language brokering and psychological well-being and a positive association with self-efficacy was not found. Results have implications for non-normative development due to migratory experiences.