Incorporating the elder caregiving role into the developmental tasks of young adulthood

Abstract

There is an emerging trend of young adults serving as primary caregivers to elderly relatives. However, existing studies have only addressed young adults' forecasted responses about how they might react if they were to assume the elder caregiver role. Research has yet to examine young adults in the actual caregiver role to older family members and the impact of this role on developmental tasks of early adulthood. In response, this study examines the impact of the elder caregiver role on accomplishing three major developmental tasks typical of young adulthood--differentiating from the family of origin, establishing intimate relationships, and career development. Fifty young adults providing daily care to elderly relatives were interviewed. The findings from both quantitative and qualitative data suggest that acquiring the caregiver role before age 40 has a definite impact on family life, intimate relationships, and career goals.