Young adult carers in Flanders: comparing mental health vulnerability across age groups

This article utilizes large-scale quantitative data from Flanders (Belgium) to examine the mental health vulnerability of young adult carers compared to carers of different ages. We analyse a sample of 7,265 respondents using regression techniques to explore the associations between care burden and mental health. The analysis reveals that mental health vulnerability peaks between ages 18 and 25, particularly for those carrying higher care burdens. Young adults carrying a high care burden show more vulnerability than their counterparts over age 55. This could be attributed to distinct expectations and coping strategies in older adulthood, when care provision becomes more evident.