The Impact of Parental Chronic Illness on College Students

Kimberly Moreira

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: College of Liberal Arts

Major: BA.PSY/FORENSICPSY

Faculty Research Mentor: Franklin Turner

Abstract:

This study investigates the impact of parental chronic illness on college-aged caregivers. While
caregivers are a critical national healthcare resource, limited attention has been given to young
adults who assume caregiving roles for their parents. Previous research has linked care
recipients’ behavioral problems, cognitive impairment, functional disabilities, and duration of
care to caregiver stress and diminished well-being.

Using a mixed-methods approach, this study combined survey data with qualitative interviews.
The survey compared stress levels and related factors between college students with a
chronically ill parent and those without. Additionally, a focus group of six to ten participants
explored the challenges faced by student caregivers and identified potential protective factors
associated with resilience. Focus group participants completed validated self-report measures of
caregiver stress and psychological well-being.

Findings highlight the unique stressors experienced by college-aged caregivers and underscore
the limited availability of validated measures that capture their specific experiences. These
results emphasize the need for targeted resources and institutional support for students balancing
academic demands with caregiving responsibilities. Future research should further examine
which interventions most effectively support this population.

Keywords: Caregiver Stress, College-Aged Caregivers, Parental Chronic Illness, Psychological
Well-Being, Resilience, Young Adult Caregivers