New University of Limerick research reveals mental health risks in young carers

New University of Limerick research reveals mental health risks in young carers. Pictured are UL’s Aoife Bowman Grangel and Prof Stephen Gallagher. Pic. Brian Arthur

A new study by researchers at University of Limerick has identified an increased risk of mental health issues for young carers

According to the study, which has just been published in the prestigious The Lancet Public Health journal, over time caring increased young people’s risk of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and self-harm.

The research highlights the increased mental health risks for young people who provide informal care and support to family members suffering from physical or intellectual disabilities, old age, poor mental health, and substance abuse issues.

Notably, young carers who engaged in long-term or intensive caregiving duties, measured in increasing hours per week, suffer worse mental health outcomes compared to their non-caring peers.

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The research also revealed that young carers who were assisting with personal care (ie washing, toileting), female carers, and carers from an ethnic minority background were at a higher risk.

The study was carried out by a team of researchers at UL.

The research consisted of a review of global caregiving literature to uncover the physical and mental toll experienced by young carers over time.

Lead author Aoife Bowman Grangel, a researcher based in UL’s Department of Psychology, highlighted that health outcomes among young carers can vary considerably depending on contextual factors. The UL researcher explained: “Our previous research has shown that strong parental relationships, particularly those marked by expressions of appreciation, can help protect young carers from developing depression.

“A deeper understanding of the social factors that influence health and well-being is crucial for designing targeted interventions and support systems to improve outcomes for this group,” she added.

Evidence from The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) indicate that up to one quarter of Irish young people provide such care. Census data indicates that a substantial proportion of these young carers provide over 15 hours of care per week, with approximately 12% delivering more than 43 hours, exceeding the duration of a typical full-time adult work week.

Professor Stephen Gallagher of UL’s Department of Psychology who was also a senior author on the study, explained: “Caring can come at a cost, and be a highly stressful experience, as the unpredictable and fluctuating nature of illness exposes young people to a range of adverse emotional, social, and developmental challenges.”

Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy, Family Carers Ireland, who partnered with UL on the research, said: “Family Carers Ireland welcomes this study as it shines a light on young carers and young adult carers and the incredible contribution they make by caring for loved ones.

“The potential risks of young carers experiencing health issues highlighted in the study contribute evidence that should ensure that policymakers recognise young carers, acknowledging the very real challenges they face, and provide them and their families with the support they need to care safely.”

The research also summarises the psychological and social determinants of health, highlighting the crucial role of social connections for young carers’ mental health. Dr Nikki Dunne, sociologist and Programme Manager for the SYNERG-IE research programme at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, was also involved in the research.

Young carers may be at increased risk of social exclusion and bullying, have less time for social activities, and reduced participation in social events and extracurricular activities. Over time, this may impact the quality of their relationships with peers and family, as high-intensity caring can increase stress levels, leading to conflict and resentment.

The research also looked at the effects of caring on physical health. Co-author, Dr Jennifer McMahon, a lecturer in psychology at UL explained: “While the findings in relation to physical health were inconclusive, there was some evidence that young carers may have worse health behaviours than non-carers, specifically relating to smoking and sleeping.

“Over time these behaviours may increase the risk of physical and mental health issues. Research is urgently needed which examines young carers’ health behaviours in response to stress, and the long-term effects these may have on their health,” she added.