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Impact of Family Caregiving by Youth on Their Psychological Well-Being: A Latent Trait Analysis

The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research volume 39, pages 245–256 (2012)Cite this article

Abstract

Secondary data analyses were conducted on a survey dataset from 1,281 middle school students to analyze the impact of family caregiving on self-reports of psychological well-being using the Multiple Indicators, Multiple Causes (MIMIC) model. Factor analysis resulted in four latent factors underlying psychological functioning, and the MIMIC model revealed significant caregiver effects on three factors: anxiety/depression, engaged coping, and disengaged coping, but not life satisfaction. Youth caregivers, especially those living with the care recipient, reported significantly higher anxiety/depression and a greater use of both coping styles compared to non-caregivers. Caregiving has a negative influence on the emotional well-being of youth with dual student–caregiver roles. The utilization of more coping strategies may reflect needing to try many approaches to school/family stressors because supports and experience are limited. Research to clarify how caregiving mediates the behavioral health and academic success of youth and also impacts care recipients and the family is warranted.

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Conflict of Interest

None of the authors have any conflict of interest to disclose.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Child & Family Studies, University of South Florida, MHC 2516, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL, 33612, USA

    Donna Cohen PhD

  2. Department of Mental Health Law & Policy, University of South Florida, MHC 2601, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL, 33612, USA

    Jennifer A. Greene BA

  3. HSR&D/RR&D Center of Excellence, James A. Haley VA Medical Center, 8900 Grand Oak Circle, Tampa, FL, 33637, USA

    Peter A. Toyinbo PhD, MB, ChB

  4. American Association of Caregiving Youth, 1515 N. Federal Highway, # 218, Boca Raton, FL, 33432, USA

    Constance T. Siskowski RN, PhD

Authors
  1. Donna Cohen PhD
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  2. Jennifer A. Greene BA
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  3. Peter A. Toyinbo PhD, MB, ChB
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  4. Constance T. Siskowski RN, PhD
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Correspondence to Donna Cohen PhD.

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Cohen, D., Greene, J.A., Toyinbo, P.A. et al. Impact of Family Caregiving by Youth on Their Psychological Well-Being: A Latent Trait Analysis. J Behav Health Serv Res 39, 245–256 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-011-9264-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-011-9264-9

Keywords

  • Life Satisfaction
  • Differential Item Functioning
  • Coping Style
  • Family Caregiving
  • Care Recipient