Fig. 1

Graphical representation of Relational Trajectory Model. The Relational Trajectory Model (RTM) is an explanatory model derived using grounded theory analysis of data gathered from ten adult children of parents with mental illness. The model provides an overarching process through which adult children’s relational roles are influenced and shaped as a result of their lived experiences of growing up with a parent with a mental illness. Based on the data, adult children underwent three primary mental states (i.e. confusion, contemplation and reconciliation) that consequently influenced relationships, particularly with their own children and parents. The subprocesses identified within the RTM can be either forward or backward influencing. In other words, subprocesses have the ability to influence meaning making of past experiences (i.e., backward-influenci4dqwng) as well as transform future experiences (i.e., forward-influencing). xsThe RTM provides a preliminary theoretical model that moves beyond description, to the explanation of how adult children transition from one life phase to the next, within the context of their parents’ mental illness. The RTM was developed by authors of this research paper