Positive and Negative Experiences of Caring Among Adolescent Young Carers

Abstract

Research has highlighted that adolescent young carers (AYCs) are in a vulnerable position due to their caring responsibilities being combined with the challenges of adolescence. However, caring among adolescents does not have to be a solely negative experience and positive experiences of caring can co-exist. Identifying those factors that contribute to AYCs' positive or negative caring experiences is important if AYCs are to be offered appropriate support. This cross-sectional survey study examined factors associated with AYCs' positive and negative caring experiences. Pupils aged 15–17 years from schools in 11 Swedish municipalities completed a questionnaire addressing demographic characteristics, care activities and the reported influence of being an AYC on school results, received support, and perceived health, while caring experiences were measured by the Positive and Negative Outcomes of Caring (PANOC-YC20) instrument. Of 3015 participants, 702 (23%) were identified as AYCs. The PANOC-YC20 positive and negative caring experiences subscales were significantly associated with each other (r = 0.16), with the mean score on the positive subscale (M = 10.36) significantly higher than that of the negative subscale (M = 5.18). In a multinomial logistic regression model, AYCs providing higher levels of emotional care and sibling care had both stronger positive and negative caring experiences, with a relatively greater effect on negative experiences. AYCs who had better perceived health had stronger positive experiences, while poorer perceived health was associated with more negative experiences. Finally, AYCs who felt their school results were negatively affected by their caring role had an increased likelihood of experiencing caring negatively. It is important for relevant authorities and professionals to consider that AYCs can experience caring both positively and negatively when developing or providing support, as these experiences will likely be reflected in both their need of support, and in the forms of support that will be most effective for them.