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