Young adult caregivers (YACs) are individuals aged 18–25 who provide care to loved ones dealing with disabilities, chronic illnesses, mental health issues, frailty, or substance abuse. This phase of life is typically marked by exploration, such as pursuing education or building social connections.
However, YACs face additional challenges compared to their peers, as they must balance caregiving with these developmental tasks. With an aging population and rising rates of chronic illness, the demand for informal caregivers, including YACs, is expected to grow. Despite limited research on YACs, their role is becoming increasingly important, making it crucial to understand their experiences and support needs.
This thesis of Srishti Dang explores YACs’ caregiving experiences, focusing on both general needs and those related to a web-based support tool. Initially, we conducted a systematic review to determine if the needs of informal caregivers vary based on their relationship with their care recipient. The study then examined YACs' caregiving experiences through a survey, assessing the impact on their life balance and psychological well-being. It also explored the positive aspects of caregiving, investigating the relationship between caregiving benefits, care recipient relationship quality, and collaborative coping among YACs.
Finally, interviews and usability tests were conducted with YACs to evaluate a web-based support tool and better understand their caregiving challenges and support needs. This research highlights the importance of addressing both the difficulties and rewards of caregiving in order to support YACs more effectively.
