A recent study from the University of Zurich, utilizing data from over 28,000 caregivers across three different countries, reveals that the well-being of caregivers can significantly decline over time. This research underscores the pressing need for policies to help lighten the load of unpaid caregivers.
As the global demand for informal caregiving continues to rise, caregivers often find their lives dramatically altered. The impact of caregiving on their personal well-being, however, has been a subject of debate. Some research suggests it can boost well-being by giving a sense of purpose, while others highlight the emotional toll that can lead to a decline in well-being.
To shed light on this, researchers at the University of Zurich examined data from 28,663 caregivers across the Netherlands, Germany, and Australia. Their findings consistently showed a decrease in life satisfaction and emotional health, coupled with an increase in feelings of loneliness and anxiety, with women being more affected.
“The data clearly shows a decline in well-being in the years following the onset of caregiving responsibilities,” explained Michael Krämer, co-author of the study and a member of the Department of Psychology at the University of Zurich. “This decline was observed in various aspects of well-being, such as life satisfaction, emotional experiences, depression/anxiety, and loneliness. It was also more pronounced and long-lasting in women compared to men.”
The researchers also found that the more time individuals spent on caregiving duties, the more their personal well-being suffered, regardless of gender. The intensity of caregiving, the relationship with the care recipient, and whether the caregiver was employed full-time were not significant factors affecting the overall decline in well-being. This suggests that caregivers face similar struggles, regardless of their particular situation.
“While our findings highlight the stress caregiving can bring, it’s important to note that individual experiences may vary,” says Krämer. “There are elements of psychological well-being, such as finding a sense of purpose, that we couldn’t evaluate with this data.” Some caregivers may indeed find their role fulfilling.
In conclusion, the study aligns with stress theory, showing a potential decline in personal well-being that often comes with unpaid caregiving, with women being particularly susceptible. This research emphasizes the need for policy interventions to reduce reliance on unpaid care, such as improving access to formal long-term care or creating blended care solutions, which could help alleviate the negative effects on caregivers.
