The Impact of Parental Illness Factors on Parentified Young Caregivers' Adjustment
The Impact of Parental Illness Factors on Parentified Young Caregivers' Adjustment
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Issue Date
2024
Authors
Mackay, Courtney
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Abstract
This paper is a methodological analysis of 10 peer-reviewed studies to gain an understanding of the impact of parental illness factors on parentified young caregivers' adjustment. Young caregivers are underrepresented in research, with much of the existing literature focusing on the impact of singular parental diagnosis or maladaptive responses to providing care. This review responds to these limitations by conducting a methodological analysis to investigate what parental illness factors impact youth adjustment, both positively and negatively. The findings offer insight into how severity of parental illness, type of parental illness, and family structure impact the adjustment of young caregivers. Protective factors and other adjustment findings are also explored. Clinicians can use these insights to work effectively at the system, family, and individual level by developing multidisciplinary assessment, treatment planning, and intervention. This review also explores ethical considerations and recommendations for future research and at the clinical level.
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Keywords
parentification , young caregivers , youth adjustment , parental chronic illness , parental physical illness , parental mental illness , family systems