Unseen and Unsupported: Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Student Caregivers in Higher Education

Additional Authors

Erin Mauck, DrPH, Department of Community & Behavioral Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA. Shimin Zheng, PhD, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. Kwangman Ko, PhD, CFLE, Department of Counseling and Human Services, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. Nathaniel Sealover, Department of Community & Behavioral Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. Kelly Foster, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. Morgan Jones-Kidd, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. Elyse Couch, Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI. Matthew Lee Smith, PhD, MPH, CHES, Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.

Abstract

Introduction: Student caregivers balance academic responsibilities while providing unpaid care for loved ones, often without formal support. This dual burden affects mental well-being, yet universities rarely address their needs through policies or services. This cross-sectional study explores the experiences of student caregivers at an Appalachian university, emphasizing mental health challenges and caregiving burden. Methodology: Participants (n = 123) were recruited through university-wide emails, digital signage, and faculty/staff announcements. Eligible students were 18 years or older, enrolled at the university, and providing unpaid care to an adult (≥55 years) within the past 90 days. Data were collected via an online Qualtrics survey. Results: The study reveals key characteristics of student caregivers. Just over half (56.91%) of respondents were undergraduate students, and nearly half (50.89%) were first-generation college students. The mean age was 31.03 years (±13.18), with most identifying as non-Hispanic White (86.32%) and female (80.53%). Additionally, 36.7% were married or living with a partner. Regarding caregiving responsibilities, nearly half (41.46%) provided care for a parent, spouse, or child, with the average age of care recipients being 74.40 years (±9.45). Most care recipients were female (73.95%), and nearly one-third (30.08%) had Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. Caregivers provided an average of 19.41 (±28.36) hours of care per week over a caregiving period of 3.34 years (±3.83). One-fifth (20.51%) of student caregivers rated their health as fair to poor. The average caregiver burden score was 16.35 (±10.46), with 31.97% reporting depressive symptoms and 37.40% experiencing anxiety. The mean resilience score was 5.72 (±1.53), indicating lower levels of resilience. Implications: Universities should address student caregivers' needs by offering flexible coursework, caregiver support groups, tailored mental health resources, and financial assistance. Incorporating caregiver needs into policies can create a more inclusive and supportive academic environment. Keywords: Student Caregivers, Mental Health, Academic Support, Caregiver Burden

Start Time

16-4-2025 11:00 AM

End Time

16-4-2025 12:00 PM

Room Number

311

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Presentation Subtype

Grad/Comp Orals

Presentation Category

Health

Faculty Mentor

Jodi Southerland

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS
 
Apr 16th, 11:00 AM Apr 16th, 12:00 PM

Unseen and Unsupported: Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Student Caregivers in Higher Education

311

Introduction: Student caregivers balance academic responsibilities while providing unpaid care for loved ones, often without formal support. This dual burden affects mental well-being, yet universities rarely address their needs through policies or services. This cross-sectional study explores the experiences of student caregivers at an Appalachian university, emphasizing mental health challenges and caregiving burden. Methodology: Participants (n = 123) were recruited through university-wide emails, digital signage, and faculty/staff announcements. Eligible students were 18 years or older, enrolled at the university, and providing unpaid care to an adult (≥55 years) within the past 90 days. Data were collected via an online Qualtrics survey. Results: The study reveals key characteristics of student caregivers. Just over half (56.91%) of respondents were undergraduate students, and nearly half (50.89%) were first-generation college students. The mean age was 31.03 years (±13.18), with most identifying as non-Hispanic White (86.32%) and female (80.53%). Additionally, 36.7% were married or living with a partner. Regarding caregiving responsibilities, nearly half (41.46%) provided care for a parent, spouse, or child, with the average age of care recipients being 74.40 years (±9.45). Most care recipients were female (73.95%), and nearly one-third (30.08%) had Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. Caregivers provided an average of 19.41 (±28.36) hours of care per week over a caregiving period of 3.34 years (±3.83). One-fifth (20.51%) of student caregivers rated their health as fair to poor. The average caregiver burden score was 16.35 (±10.46), with 31.97% reporting depressive symptoms and 37.40% experiencing anxiety. The mean resilience score was 5.72 (±1.53), indicating lower levels of resilience. Implications: Universities should address student caregivers' needs by offering flexible coursework, caregiver support groups, tailored mental health resources, and financial assistance. Incorporating caregiver needs into policies can create a more inclusive and supportive academic environment. Keywords: Student Caregivers, Mental Health, Academic Support, Caregiver Burden