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Date of Graduation
5-15-2025
Semester of Graduation
Summer
Degree Name
Educational Specialist (EdS)
Department
Department of Graduate Psychology
First Advisor
Deborah Kipps-Vaughan
Second Advisor
Tiffany Hornsby
Third Advisor
Tammy Gilligan
Abstract
There exists an invisible army of children who sacrifice their childhoods and shoulder responsibilities expected of adults; these children are called young caregivers. Young caregivers provide significant assistance for their family on a regular basis. The existing literature shows that youth caregiving is associated with negative physical and mental health impacts that vary depending on the cultural background associated with families. It is also clear that the complexities and nuances of different ethnic groups influence the lived experiences of young caregivers. Unfortunately, there is limited information exploring racial and cultural implications of caregiving for children. This study sought to address this gap by exploring the narratives of adolescent caregivers within the Asian American population using a focus group design. Findings suggest that Asian American student caregivers often feel unseen and unsupported within school systems, particularly by teachers and counselors. Their caregiving responsibilities are deeply shaped by cultural expectations, revealing how the intersection of cultural identity, adolescence, and family obligation uniquely impacts their experiences.
Included in
Counseling Commons, Counseling Psychology Commons, School Psychology Commons, Social Justice Commons, Social Work Commons, Student Counseling and Personnel Services Commons, Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons
