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Caregiving Responsibilities and Mental Health Outcomes in Young Adult Carers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study

Author

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  • Giulia Landi

    (Department of Psychology “Renzo Canestrari”, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
    Laboratory of Psychosomatics and Clinimetrics, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy)

  • Kenneth I. Pakenham

    (School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia)

  • Roberto Cattivelli

    (Department of Psychology “Renzo Canestrari”, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
    Laboratory of Psychosomatics and Clinimetrics, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy)

  • Silvana Grandi

    (Department of Psychology “Renzo Canestrari”, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
    Laboratory of Psychosomatics and Clinimetrics, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy)

  • Eliana Tossani

    (Department of Psychology “Renzo Canestrari”, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
    Laboratory of Psychosomatics and Clinimetrics, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy)

Abstract

This study investigated caregiving responsibilities and associated mental health outcomes in young adult carers during the COVID-19 pandemic and had three aims: (1) to investigate differences in caregiving responsibilities across two groups of young adult carers (parental illness context vs. ill non-parent family member context) relative to non-carers, (2) to identify COVID-19/lockdown correlates of caregiving responsibilities, and (3) to examine the longitudinal associations between caregiving responsibilities and mental health outcomes. Of the 1048 Italians aged 18–29 ( M age = 24.48, SD age = 2.80; 74.33% female) who consented to complete online surveys at Time 1, 813 reported no ill family member (non-carers). Young adult carers included 162 with an ill parent and 73 with an ill non-parent family member. The study included 3 time points: 740 participants completed Time 2 assessment ( M age = 24.35, SD age = 2.81; 76.76% female), while 279 completed Time 3 assessment ( M age = 24.78, SD age = 2.72; 79.93% female). Key variables measured were 13 COVID-19/lockdown factors at Times 1 and 2, caregiving responsibilities at Time 2, and mental health outcomes at Time 3 (fear of COVID-19, anxiety, depression, wellbeing). Two COVID-19/lockdown factors were significantly correlated with higher caregiving responsibilities: insufficient home space, and greater time spent working and learning from home. As predicted, young adult carers reported higher caregiving responsibilities than non-carers, and this effect was greater in young adults caring for an ill parent compared to young adults caring for an ill non-parent family member. As expected, irrespective of family health status, caregiving responsibilities were longitudinally related to poorer mental health outcomes, operationalised as higher fear of COVID-19, anxiety, and depression, and lower wellbeing. Elevated young adult caregiving is an emerging significant public health issue that should be addressed through a multipronged approach that includes education about young adult carer needs for personnel across all relevant sectors and flexible care plans for ill family members that include a ’whole family’ biopsychosocial approach.

Suggested Citation

  • Giulia Landi & Kenneth I. Pakenham & Roberto Cattivelli & Silvana Grandi & Eliana Tossani, 2022. "Caregiving Responsibilities and Mental Health Outcomes in Young Adult Carers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-17, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:22:p:15149-:d:975103
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hanna Stolper & Karin van Doesum & Petra Henselmans & Anne Lynn Bijl & Majone Steketee, 2022. "The Patient’s Voice as a Parent in Mental Health Care: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-20, October.
    2. Hinke M. van der Werf & Marie Louise A. Luttik & Alice de Boer & Petrie F. Roodbol & Wolter Paans, 2022. "Growing up with a Chronically Ill Family Member—The Impact on and Support Needs of Young Adult Carers: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-16, January.
    3. Levine, C. & Hunt, G.G. & Halper, D. & Hart, A.Y. & Lautz, J. & Gould, D.A., 2005. "Young adult caregivers: A first look at an unstudied population," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 95(11), pages 2071-2075.
    4. Basilie Chevrier & Aurélie Untas & Géraldine Dorard, 2022. "Are We All the Same When Faced with an Ill Relative? A Person-Oriented Approach to Caring Activities and Mental Health in Emerging Adult Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-18, July.
    5. Giulia Landi & Kenneth I. Pakenham & Silvana Grandi & Eliana Tossani, 2022. "Young Adult Carers during the Pandemic: The Effects of Parental Illness and Other Ill Family Members on COVID-19-Related and General Mental Health Outcomes," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-18, March.
    6. Giulia Landi & Kenneth Ian Pakenham & Mariagrazia Benassi & Sara Giovagnoli & Eliana Tossani & Silvana Grandi, 2021. "A Model of the Effects of Parental Illness on Youth Adjustment and Family Functioning: The Moderating Effects of Psychological Flexibility on Youth Caregiving and Stress," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-16, May.
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    1. Bente Storm Mowatt Haugland & Mari Hysing & Børge Sivertsen, 2023. "Does It Matter Who You Provide Care for? Mental Health and Life Satisfaction in Young Adult Carers Associated with Type of Relationship and Illness Category—A National Student Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-16, February.

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