Caregiving and Self-Esteem in Mid and Later Life: Is There Variation by Age, Parental Status, and Gender?

Abstract

Caregiving may prove either beneficial or harmful for caregiver well-being, depending on the circumstances surrounding care provision. Using data from the two most recent waves of the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS, 2004–2014; N = 1,100), we examine whether providing care for an adult at both time points (i.e., 8–10 years apart) is associated with changes to self-esteem over the ten-year period, in comparison with providing care at only one time point, or not at all. We also examine moderation by caregivers’ age, parental status, and gender. Findings indicated (1) caregiving at both waves was associated with decreases in self-esteem among younger and midlife adults, but this effect weakened and even reversed with age; and (2) caregiving at both waves was associated with increased self-esteem among participants without children, but not among those with children. We discuss implications for identifying caregivers at greatest risk of diminished well-being.