title: The experiences of youth serving as caregivers for mentally ill parents: a background review of the literature.
abstract: Young caregivers of mentally ill parents are a vulnerable population. These vulnerabilities include risks for developmental issues, poor socialization, and poor school performance. The purpose of this background review of the literature is to explore the experiences of young caregivers of mentally ill parents and detect the gaps in the literature. The guiding research questions were: What is the experience of young caregivers of mentally ill parents? and What is the experience for those who witness or must assist their parent during a crisis? The majority of research has been conducted outside the United States, primarily in the United Kingdom, and studies have focused mostly on young caregivers of parents with physical rather than mental illness. No studies focused on young caregivers who witnessed or assisted their mentally ill parent in crisis. Information gained through this review will add to the body of knowledge for child mental health and build a case for additional research.
authors.affiliation: The University of North Carolina at Wilmington, School of Nursing, 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA. mechlingb@uncw.edu
authors.forename: Brandy M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Mechling
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D002669:Child Welfare; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D008603:Mental Health; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D002666:Psychology, Child; D012951:Socialization; D035862:Vulnerable Populations