Vicariousness refers to qualities or scenarios wherein one experiences another person's life, through imaginative or sympathetic participation.[1]
There are various examples whereby the social phenomenon of vicariousness may be observed. These include for instance, stage parents, some of whom may try to live out their dream career through their offspring.[2] Such attempts of vicarious behavior has been noted by some analysts as having negative consequences.[3] In actual circumstances wherein a parent tries to live out their accomplishment through their child even though the child seems uninterested, it has been labeled with common phrases such as chasing lost dreams.[4] In these instances, it is a subset of possessiveness which has been most markedly observed at the spectator stands of children's sport games.[5] There are some idioms wherein vicariousness is viewed favorably, such as put oneself in another's shoes.[6]
- ^ "Vicarious". Merriam-Webster. 13 July 2022.
- ^ Fuerstein, Laura (2009). My Mother, My Mirror: Recognizing and Making the Most of Inherited Self-images. New Harbinger Publications. p. 73. ISBN 9781572245693.
- ^ Allen, David M. (30 September 2011). "Living Vicariously through Children with a Twist". Psychology Today. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
- ^ McDermott, Nick (25 June 2013). "Pushy parents 'chasing lost dreams'". IOL.
- ^ Campbell, Ross (2015). How to Really Love Your Child. p. 91.
- ^ Batson, C. D.; Lishner, D. A.; Carpenter, A.; Dulin, L.; Harjusola-Webb, S.; Stocks, E. L.; Gale, S.; Hassan, O.; Sampat, B. (2003). "'... As you would have them do unto you': Does imagining yourself in the other's place stimulate moral action?". Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin. 29 (9): 1190–1301. doi:10.1177/0146167203254600. PMID 15189613.