Stress and Supportive Care Needs of Millennial Caregivers: A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

Millennial caregivers, born between 1981 and 1996, are an understudied caregiver group. They experience stress-related consequences of caregiving and are unique in their developmental stage and generational norms. The purpose of this study was to understand the context of caregiving and stressors for these caregivers. In total, 42 caregivers were recruited through Research Match and social media platforms. Caregivers completed online surveys with open-ended response questions and 15 caregivers completed semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed deductively and inductively using the Stress Process Model as a framework. Millennial caregivers described uncertainty and disruption as overarching experiences. Stressors related to balancing caregiving, work, and family responsibilities were most prominent. Caregivers reported needing support from friends/family, health care team members, community, and work/governmental policy. Mental health treatment was identified as most helpful for managing stress. Millennial caregivers have distinctive contexts that impact their caregiving needs. Caregiving interventions must take these needs into consideration.

Inequities Among Cancer Caregivers with Diverse Identities: A Review of the Literature and Future Directions

“…[47] Young adult cancer caregivers' developmental responsibilities in pursuing higher education, developing their own careers, forming new families, and becoming financially independent often conflict with their caregiving responsibilities, which heighten the financial and emotional caregiving burden. [48] Forming a caregiving team with their family members and friends, if possible, is one strategy to cope with burdens. [48] In addition, secondary data analyses of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey highlight disparities among young adult caregivers and demonstrated that young adult caregivers have a higher prevalence of mental distress, fair/poor health, and chronic health conditions than their non-caregiver peers.…”

“…[48] Forming a caregiving team with their family members and friends, if possible, is one strategy to cope with burdens. [48] In addition, secondary data analyses of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey highlight disparities among young adult caregivers and demonstrated that young adult caregivers have a higher prevalence of mental distress, fair/poor health, and chronic health conditions than their non-caregiver peers. And female young adults are disproportionately affected, due to the expectation from the family and society on taking on the caregiving responsibilities, which resulted in a lower likelihood of employment.…”

Complex identities, intersectionality and research approaches in millennial family caregivers in the United States

“…We have a large and diverse group of authors who contributed their expertise and perspectives to the main ideas of this discussion. This paper stemmed from findings from a previous qualitative study where Millennial caregivers described their diverse identities and structural challenges to equitable care (Thomas Hebdon, Jones et al, 2022). In addition, we examined the literature broadly to understand the background of Millennial caregivers and the context for Millennials, and the implications of complex identity and intersectionality for Millennial caregivers.…”

“…Millennial caregivers have unique challenges relating to their life stage, including competing responsibilities with work, family and social lives, disruption in education/career/intimate relationships, and financial concerns (Flinn, 2018; National Alliance for Caregiving & AARP, 2020; Thomas Hebdon, Jones et al, 2022). Generationally, Millennials are navigating higher stress and poorer health outcomes when compared to previous generations at similar ages (Moody's Analytics, 2019).…”

“…Interventions have been developed to address the stress and supportive care needs of family caregivers, including adolescent and young adult caregivers (Kirchoff, 2019), yet there are few research studies and interventions tailored specifically to the experiences of Millennial caregivers (Thomas Hebdon, Jones et al, 2022). A prior qualitative descriptive study focusing on the stress and supportive care needs of Millennial caregivers identified the following themes: an overarching sense of uncertainty and disruption, contextual issues such as complex Millennial caregiver identities and external structural and power barriers to support, and support need including workplace flexibility and federal policy for financial support (Thomas Hebdon, Jones et al, 2022). Considering these findings, intersectionality and complex identity must be incorporated into research and interventions designed to support Millennial caregivers (Council et al, 2020; Taylor & Keeter, 2010; Thomas Hebdon, Jones et al, 2022).…”