Caregivers -- psychosocial factors -- in infancy and childhood

Young carers may be more damaged by what we do to try to protect them.

Caring for a chronically ill relative takes a physical and mental toll on young carers, suggests a study in Austria.

Aim To investigate the impact of caring for a parent on the psychosocial development of the young person. Methods A total of 20 young carers and 20 non-caregiving peers, aged 11-18 years, were compared on self-report measures of life satisfaction, self-esteem, and behavioural strengths and difficulties. Parental reports on their child's behaviour were obtained and measured. Results Young carers reported lower life satisfaction and self-esteem compared with non-caregiving peers, and their parents rated them as having more difficulties with peer relationships and more emotional symptoms.