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.
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.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s11414-011-9264-9
- Authors
- Donna Cohen, Department of Child & Family Studies, University of South Florida, MHC 2516, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Jennifer A. Greene, Department of Mental Health Law & Policy, University of South Florida, MHC 2601, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Peter A. Toyinbo, HSR&D/RR&D Center of Excellence, James A. Haley VA Medical Center, 8900 Grand Oak Circle, Tampa, FL 33637, USA
- Constance T. Siskowski, American Association of Caregiving Youth, 1515 N. Federal Highway, # 218, Boca Raton, FL 33432, USA
- Journal The Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research
- Online ISSN 1556-3308
- Print ISSN 1094-3412