Psychosocial interventions, programs and support to promote young caregivers’ well-being: an integrative review

Abstract: Performing caregiving tasks at a young age induces burden and psychological distress. In this integrative review, a systematic overview of the literature on psychosocial interventions, programs and support to promote the well-being of adolescent and young adult caregivers was provided. Four electronic databases were searched (i.e., CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Scopus). A rigorous screening process was followed by two independent judges, and the quality of the studies was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A narrative synthesis of the included studies was performed to summarize the findings of the different studies. Of the 3972 papers screened, only 8 articles were included in the final review. Four studies were qualitative, 2 used a quantitative approach and the remaining had a mixed method design. Three themes were identified: intervention and program strategies, difficulties in accessing and using support, and intervention and program delivery preferences among young caregivers. Compared to studies on the negative impact of caregiving at a young age, much less research has been done on the issue of support. The general lack of awareness about young caregivers’ role and responsibilities affected the chance for this population to be identified and supported. The few interventions and programs had a psychoeducational nature, and several barriers prevented young caregivers from accessing or using support over time. These findings highlight the need to adopt a preventative and proactive approach to identify this population, and design care pathways that are tailored to this population needs and preferences.