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Adolescent Young Carers Who Provide Help and Support to Friends
Rosita Brolin1, Elizabeth Hanson1,2, Lennart Magnusson1,2
1Department Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, SE-39182 Kalmar, Sweden.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 14, 2023
Summary
Young friend carers provide significant support to peers with health conditions. However, these adolescent carers report more health issues and less support compared to those caring for family members.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Previous research highlights the importance of peer support for adolescents with health conditions.
- There is a lack of understanding regarding the impact of caregiving on young individuals who support their friends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and experiences of adolescent young friend carers.
- To examine the health, well-being, and academic situation of these young carers.
- To compare their experiences with those of adolescents caring for family members.
Main Methods:
- A cross-national online survey conducted in 2018-2019 across six European countries.
- Involved 7146 adolescents aged 15-17.
- 1121 participants identified as young friend carers, providing care to friends with health-related conditions.
Main Results:
- Adolescent friend carers engage in substantial caregiving activities, with some also caring for family.
- They report both positive and negative aspects of their caring role.
- Compared to family carers, young friend carers experience more health problems, particularly mental ill-health, and receive less support.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent friends are crucial for supporting peers with health issues, especially mental ill-health.
- Optimizing the caring experiences for young friend carers is essential.
- Interventions should aim to mitigate negative impacts on their mental health, well-being, and overall life situation.
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