A school-based cross-sectional study to understand the public health measures needed to improve the emotional and mental wellbeing of young carers aged 12-14 years
Abstract
The emotional and mental wellbeing of young carers is known to be poorer than their peers. Data from a large cross-sectional school survey of 7,477 12 to 14 year olds (72% response rate) living in Cornwall, South West of England were analysed to assess whether existing school-based interventions support the wellbeing of young carers. Outcome measures were derived from the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing scale (SWEMWBS) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Young carers experienced greater emotional and mental wellbeing problems than their peers. Being eligible for free school meals did not attenuate these higher needs, indicating that broader support than financial measures are needed such as Education, Health and Care Plans which were associated with higher mental wellbeing among young carers. Early community and school-based interventions that consider the complex needs of young carers, especially emotional wellbeing are needed.
Citation
Sharpe , R , Russell , N , Andrews , R , Curry , W & Williams , A J 2021 , ' A school-based cross-sectional study to understand the public health measures needed to improve the emotional and mental wellbeing of young carers aged 12-14 years ' , Families, Relationships and Society , vol. Fast Track . https://doi.org/10.1332/204674321X16375716648890
Publication
Families, Relationships and Society
Status
Peer reviewed
ISSN
2046-7435Type
Journal article
Rights
Copyright © 2021 Policy Press. This work has been made available online in accordance with publisher policies or with permission. Permission for further reuse of this content should be sought from the publisher or the rights holder. This is the author created accepted manuscript following peer review and may differ slightly from the final published version. The final published version of this work is available at https://doi.org/10.1332/204674321X16375716648890.
Description
Funding: The data used in this study was collected as part of the HeadStart learning programme and supported by funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. The HeadStart learning programme is being delivered by a consortium of partners. led by the Evidence Based Practice Unit (EBPU) (a collaboration between University College London and the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families) including the University of Manchester, and the Child Outcomes Research Consortium (CORC).Collections
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