Identität im Schatten der Fürsorge: Die Bedeutung der Caregiver Identity und ihre Implikationen für die psychologische Beratung von Angehörigen psychisch Erkrankter

Titel:Identity in the Shadow of Care: The Role of Caregiver Identity and Its Implications for Psychological Counseling of Family Members of Individuals with Mental Illness Identität im Schatten der Fürsorge: Die Bedeutung der Caregiver Identity und ihre Implikationen für die psychologische Beratung von Angehörigen psychisch Erkrankter Beschreibung / Description:This article investigates caregiver identity among family members of individuals with mental illness and its impact on psychological well-being, self-care, and counseling needs. Based on a survey of 132 caregivers, it examines the relationship between caregiver role identification, coping strategies, boundary-setting, and life satisfaction. Key findings highlight the importance of psychoeducation, peer support, self-care, and practical guidance in alleviating caregiver burden. Differences by gender and type of mental illness are discussed. The file contains the full article in both German and English, including title, abstract, and main text. The article is based on the author’s master’s thesis (Apollon Hochschule für Gesundheitswirtschaft, 2025). Keywords:Caregiver Identity, Caregiver Burden, Mental Illness, Family Caregivers, Psychological Counseling, Self-Care, Psychoeducation, Peer Support, Mental Health Support, Caregiving Strategies Supervisors (optional):Prof. Dr. Mary Sengutta & Clemens Klinke