Exploring burden, psychological wellbeing and life-satisfaction of carers of young adults with mental illness

Abstract

The current study aimed to extend the research of caregivers’ burden in regards to carers of young adults suffering from mental illness. The main hypotheses explored how the level of burden correlated with the carers’ life satisfaction (LS) and psychological wellbeing (PWB). Additionally, which factor of burden was the greatest predictor of PWB. Other demographic variables are analysed in exploratory research section. Online surveys containing the life satisfaction scale, psychological wellbeing scale and Zarit burden interview were used (n=72). Analyse found significant negative correlations between burden and LS (H1) and a positive correlation between burden and PWB (H2). It also found that factor 2- social restriction impacted burden levels the most (H3). This research highlights the need to support caregivers, particularly in terms of rest bite, to improve their own mental health, thus improving the young person’s prognosis. Longitudinal studies investigating carer’s mental health over time is recommended for further research.