Parental Chronic Illness May Adversely Impact Youth and Family Functioning

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of Bologna have published a new study on the effects of parental chronic illness on youth and family functioning. The study used a moderated mediation model to examine the relationship between parental illness, youth caregiving, stress, and family functioning. The findings suggest that parental chronic illness can have a significant impact on youth adjustment and family functioning, with youth caregiving and stress acting as serial mediators.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved a total of 387 youth, with parents affected by chronic illness, who completed a questionnaire assessing parental illness severity, youth caregiving and stress, psychological flexibility, youth adjustment, and family functioning.
  • Path analyses indicated that the adverse effects of parental illness on youth adjustment and family functioning were serially mediated by youth caregiving and stress.
  • Psychological flexibility was found to buffer the adverse effects of these serial mediators on youth internalizing problems and psychological wellbeing.
  • The study identified three potential intervention targets: youth caregiving, related stress appraisals, and psychological flexibility.
  • The researchers concluded that acceptance and commitment therapy has the potential to address the psychosocial and mental health vulnerabilities of youth in the context of parental illness.

Statistics:

  • Total number of participants: 387
  • Age range of participants: Not specified
  • Percentage of participants with parents affected by chronic illness: 100%
  • Percentage of participants experiencing internalizing problems: Not specified
  • Percentage of participants experiencing externalizing problems: Not specified
  • Percentage of participants experiencing psychological wellbeing issues: Not specified

Sources:

  • A Model of the Effects of Parental Illness on Youth Adjustment and Family Functioning: The Moderating Effects of Psychological Flexibility on Youth Caregiving and Stress. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021, 18(4902):4902. (International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph)
  • Health & Medicine Week. June 18, 2021; p 3117.