Caregiver Mental Health Across Generations

Bibliographic Data

ID21475952
AuthorsVirginia T Gallagher (0000-0002-3526-0828, University of Virginia, corresponding author), Ashleigh Patterson (University of Virginia), Megan Hebdon (0000-0003-1916-5043, University of Utah), Carol A Manning (0000-0003-4205-2485, University of Virginia), Kelly M Shaffer (0000-0002-9749-8006, University of Virginia)
Year2026
Volume47
Issue6
Pages782-800
Publication date2026-06-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Family Issues (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0192-513X • E-ISSN: 1552-5481
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/0192513x251389209
PMID41614146
OpenAlexW4415939590
LanguageEN
References cited31

Objective: We evaluated generational differences in caregiver mental and social health to assess the need for targeted interventions for specific generations or age groups. Methods: We utilized cross-sectional 2022 data from a national caregiver survey. Using the cohort-based, life course framework, across n = 537 caregivers and n = 537 demographically matched non-caregivers, we tested the impact of generation, caregiving status, and generation-by-caregiving status interaction on psychological distress, social isolation, and life meaning using ANOVAs. Results: Results revealed significant effects of generation and caregiving status on mental health and social isolation, as well as a generational effect on life meaning (ps Conclusions: Younger caregiver generations are at risk for mental and social health outcomes and warrant targeted intervention

Life course approach · Mental health · Primary caregiver · Warrant · Family Caregiving in Mental Illness · Family Support in Illness · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving

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Open DOIOpen Access