About one in every five adults in the United States serves as a caregiver, either formally or informally, a role that can have significant emotional and physical impacts. The well-being of caregivers is often overlooked, according to research conducted by a team at Kennesaw State University.
A group of undergraduate psychology students—Jennifer Phan and Aishat Oyelade—working with faculty mentor Brian Moore, associate professor of psychology and director of the Center for the Advancement of Military and Emergency Services, are investigating how caregiving demands contribute to burnout. Their study focuses on differences between those caring for veterans compared to non-veterans. Both students participate in the First Year Scholars Program, which pairs first-year students interested in research with faculty for an academic year-long project.
Using data from a community survey, the researchers compared burnout rates between caregivers for veterans and those providing care to non-veterans. They found that both groups face significant challenges but identified risk factors consistently linked to higher levels of burnout: limitations in daily activities for care recipients, time required to provide care, and severity of health conditions. These issues were often more pronounced among caregivers supporting veterans who may need more intensive or long-term assistance.
“Some veterans may experience traumatic brain injuries and posttraumatic stress disorder, which can increase caregiving demands and long-term requirements,” Phan said.
The study also found that many caregivers did not primarily identify themselves as such. “They think it’s just something they’re supposed to do for their family, so their own health and well-being often get overlooked,” Oyelade said. This lack of awareness can make it harder for caregivers to recognize signs of burnout or seek help; many reported limited access to resources that could assist them with stress management.
Chronic stress was noted as contributing to serious physical health problems—including cardiovascular issues—and potentially affecting quality of care provided by burned-out individuals. “When I did my clinicals at nursing homes and hospitals, I witnessed firsthand what burnout can do to a caregiver and how that can lead to neglect and abuse of their recipients,” said Phan.
Phan and Oyelade hope their findings will support development of accessible resources such as online tools or educational materials aimed at helping caregivers manage stress before it worsens. Moore said understanding caregiver needs is vital not only for individual support but also, “about strengthening families, improving health outcomes and building a more compassionate and sustainable future.” He added: “Caregivers are a ‘hidden’ and often overlooked workforce that builds, shapes and strengthens communities… If we do not look after those who support… we weaken the very foundation… that holds our communities together.”
The team presented its findings at Kennesaw State’s Spring Symposium of Student Scholars; they are preparing the study for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.
