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The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research
Published in: The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research 4/2017

01-10-2017

The Relationship Between Family Caregiving and the Mental Health of Emerging Young Adult Caregivers

Authors: Jennifer Greene, MSPH, Donna Cohen, PhD, Constance Siskowski, RN, PhD, Peter Toyinbo, MBChB, PhD

Published in: The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research | Issue 4/2017

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Abstract

Caring for dependent relatives has become a normative challenge for families in the USA and throughout the world. The study objective was to examine the relationship of family caregiving responsibilities and the mental health and well-being of individuals, ages 18–24 years, referred to as emerging young adults. It was hypothesized that young adult caregivers with past and present responsibilities would report significantly more symptoms of depression and anxiety, have lower self-esteem, and use less adaptive coping styles than non-caregiving peers. The sample consisted of 353 undergraduates (81 past caregivers, 76 current/past caregivers, and 196 non-caregivers). Caregivers were also evaluated in terms of care recipients, duration of caregiving, tasks, and hours of effort. Caregivers had significantly higher levels of symptoms of depression and anxiety than non-caregivers. Research to clarify how caregiving interacts with other stressors in emerging young adults and influences behavioral health should be a priority.
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Metadata
Title
The Relationship Between Family Caregiving and the Mental Health of Emerging Young Adult Caregivers
Authors
Jennifer Greene, MSPH
Donna Cohen, PhD
Constance Siskowski, RN, PhD
Peter Toyinbo, MBChB, PhD
Publication date
01-10-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research / Issue 4/2017
Print ISSN: 1094-3412
Electronic ISSN: 2168-6793
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-016-9526-7

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