"I know what I do but do I know who I am?": The Exploration of Identity Development in Young Adult Carers Living in the United Kingdom and United States

The ability to exercise free will, unhampered by authority figures and societal pressures, in selecting a life course is ideal for defining our identity, yet the reality of life often means that restrictions and limitations... [ view full abstract ]

The ability to exercise free will, unhampered by authority figures and societal pressures, in selecting a life course is ideal for defining our identity, yet the reality of life often means that restrictions and limitations will present themselves and thus provide hindrances. The reality of life’s limitations may not feel more salient than for those young adults aged 18-24 who provide care, assistance, and support to other family members on an unpaid basis (Becker and Becker, 2008). Such care includes daily living activities like feeding and giving medicines, mobility aid, and financial support (Ireland and Pakenham, 2010). Currently, there are approximately 3.9 million to 5.5 million young adult carers in the United States and approximately 229,318 young adult carers in the United Kingdom (Levine et al, 2005; Becker and Becker, 2008). Despite their large numbers, historically, this population of carers has not received much scholarly attention. This paper is a report of an ongoing research project (in the context of a doctoral dissertation) that aims to deeply explore the impact the caring role can have on the identity development of the young adult carer currently living in the United States and United Kingdom. The research involves the use of semi-structured face to face interviews with young adult carers living in the United States and in the United Kingdom to explore the manner in which the role as carer has affected their lives, with particular attention given to their ability to make self-determined choices, live authentically, and how their identity may have been shaped by their role as carer. Initial research suggests that when young adults devote a significant amount of time to caring activities, the likelihood of having sufficient time available to explore their beliefs, values, and goals by engaging with society—necessary for successful identity achievement--is diminished.