Who Cares? An Exploration, using Q methodology, of Young Carers' and Professionals' Viewpoints.
Year: 2012
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This research used Q methodology to explore the shared viewpoints of N=20 children and young people identified as young carers, within the context of looking after a family member with a disability, and of N=20 professionals working with children and young people. A literature search revealed a layer of complex, multi-faceted discourse and social constructions around the subject of young carers in terms of their definition, identification, and circumstances, and the way in which professionals intervene in their lives. A gap in research identified that Q methodology had not before been used to elicit young carers‟ views, nor were there any published papers within the field of educational psychology relating to young carers‟ or professionals‟ viewpoints on the topic. The aim of the study was twofold: to explore young carers‟ shared viewpoints about their roles, responsibilities and experiences, including intervention and support processes from professionals, and explore the shared viewpoints of professionals about young carers and the intervention and support mechanisms available to them. A Q sort, using 50 statements, was used to elicit participant views, which were analysed using by-person factor analysis. Results revealed four distinct factors (shared viewpoints) within young carer participants: (Factor 1: “We‟re proud and positive. We feel included and well supported but don‟t like being singled out”; Factor 2: “Caring‟s just what we do. We feel mature, but are unsupported and misunderstood”; Factor 3: “„Parentified‟ and wanting to care, but we need people to recognise that we‟re struggling and worried”; Factor 4: “Being mature doesn‟t stop us from worrying, although we‟re supported, especially in school”), and two distinct factors within professionals: (Factor 1: “Young carers worry and struggle. They are unsupported and neglected by professionals”; Factor 2: “Young carers are mature and resilient, and want to be treated like every other young person. Professionals could do more, but are getting there”). These factors were interpreted and discussed, and the implications for professional practice explored.
Author: Carol A. Plummer
Language: English
Topic: Family Support in Illness
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1589267116