‘Benefit finding moderates the relationship between young carer experiences and mental well-being’

Author(s): Wept, Hannah; Joseph, Stephen; Leu, Agnes
Publisher: Psychology and Health
Year Published: 2022
Resource type: Peer Reviewed Research Article

Summary:

This article focuses on comparing benefit finding between young carers and non-carers,
examining its association with mental illness. The study involved 2525 adolescents aged 15-21 who attended school or vocational training in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, with the majority identifying as ‘Swiss.’ The study used multiple methods to collect data, including questions, checklists, the General Benefit Finding Scale, and the Mental Well-being Scale. A total of 601 young people reported that they provided some type of ongoing care to a family member or close friend, and 536 reported that they had supported a close person with health problems in the past. Findings suggest that participants who linked their benefit identification to their caring roles had higher levels of benefit finding, relationships, and empathy. Also, the effect of caring on mental well-being was only negative among young people with low level benefit finding. This study did not find any significant differences between young carers who provided care in the present or past.

Citation:Wepf, H., Joseph, S., & Leu, A. (2022). Benefit finding moderates the relationship between young carer experiences and mental well-being. Psychology & Health, 37(10), 1270–1286. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2021.1941961

Keywords: Young carers; benefit finding; adolescents; caregiving; personal growth; stress

Where the data was collected: Switzerland