M. Dellmann-jenkins et al., Incorporating the elder caregiving role into the developmental tasks of young adulthood, INT J AGING, 52(1), 2001, pp. 1-18
Citations number
34
Categorie Soggetti
Public Health & Health Care Science
Journal title
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGING & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
There is an emerging trend of young adults serving as primary caregivers to
elderly relatives. However, existing studies have only addressed young adu
lts' forecasted responses about how they might react if they were to assume
the elder caregiver role. Research has yet to examine young adults in the
actual caregiver role to older family members and the impact of this role o
n developmental tasks of early adulthood. In response, this study examines
the impact of the elder caregiver role on accomplishing three major develop
mental tasks typical of young adulthood-differentiating from the family of
origin, establishing intimate relationships, and career development. Fifty
young adults providing daily care to elderly relatives were interviewed. Th
e findings from both quantitative and qualitative data suggest that acquiri
ng the caregiver role before age 40 has a definite impact on family life, i
ntimate relationships, and career goals.