New Findings on the Mental Health of Australian Young Carers

Caring can impact the mental health of young carers, and up to a quarter of the mental health effects of caring are explained by school bullying. Policies, therefore, are encouraged at a government and community level to reduce school bullying and support young carer wellbeing.

Across the world, many young people are supplying unpaid, informal care and support. There is growing evidence of the impact of this caring role on the lives of young informal carers, however there has been little analysis of the mental health impacts.

This project aims to identify the causal pathways that contribute to poorer life outcomes and inform the implementation of programs and policies to support young carers.

MDI is pleased to support this research, which will help inform the allocation of appropriate support, reduce disparities and improve the economic, social, health and educational outcomes of this vulnerable group.

Read more about the project here:  https://mspgh.unimelb.edu.au/research-groups/centre-for-health-equity/disability-and-health-unit/decra-tania-king

Access the latest Fact Sheet on the Mental Health of  Australian Young Carers here.

More Information:

King T, Singh A, Disney G. Associations between young informal caring and mental health: a prospective observational study using augmented inverse probability weighting. The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific. 2021;15:100257.

Contact Details:

Associate Professor Tania King
tking@unimelb.edu.au
https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/100039-tania-king

Ludmila Fleitas Alfonzo, Research Assistant & PhD Candidate
ludmila.fleitasalfonzo@unimelb.edu.au
https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/827296-ludmila-fleitas-alfonzo