title: How caring for a parent affects the psychosocial development of the young.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the impact of caring for a parent on the psychosocial development of the young person.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 20 young carers and 20 non-caregiving peers, aged 11-18 years, were compared on self-report measures of life satisfaction, self-esteem, and behavioural strengths and difficulties. Parental reports on their child's behaviour were obtained and measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Young carers reported lower life satisfaction and self-esteem compared with non-caregiving peers, and their parents rated them as having more difficulties with peer relationships and more emotional symptoms. There was no evidence of more pro-social behaviour on the part of young carers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Caregiving has a negative effect on young people overall; improved support of and more research around young carers are required.
authors.affiliation: University of Surrey.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Collins
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bayless
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D041923:Adolescent Development; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012649:Self Concept; D006113:United Kingdom