Jessica Collins and Sarah Bayless describe a study to assess the ways in which being a carer affects mental wellbeing

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. There was no evidence of more pro-social behaviour on the part of young carers.

Conclusions Caregiving has a negative effect on young people overall; improved support of and more research around young carers are required.