Young carers shoulder a world of responsibility

Caring for people with a disability, who are frail aged, or who have a severe mental or physical condition normally falls to older people. But young people, too, can find themselves in this important role.

Now RMIT University researchers are conducting a national study into this little-known side of life for some young adults and are calling for participants.

Johanna Wilkinson, who is currently completing her Masters in Clinical Psychology, is Principal Investigator. She said that an aging population and an increase in the prevalence of chronic illnesses was increasing the need for carers and putting pressure on more young people.

“Young carers play an important role in the lives of care recipients and the community at large. We want to find out more about the experience of these people and their adjustment to their caring role.

“A young carer is someone between 18 and 25 who is the significant provider of care and support for a parent, partner, child, relative or friend who has a disability, is frail aged, or who has a severe mental or physical condition.

“Our research will identify the role different personal and carer-specific factors have in minimising distress and maintaining positive psychological states. We are hoping to determine the impact the caring role has on young carers’ daily life, for example their educational and employment opportunities.

“Much of the information concerning the impact of the caring role has come from older carer research. However, older carers often have different relationships, usually partner, with the care recipient and are at different points in their life.

“Therefore, it is important to recognise young carers and understand the impact of the role and determine ways in which adjustment can be made easier. Further, the study aims to determine what types of coping strategies and levels of social support lead to more positive adjustment.”

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