Observed effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the life satisfaction, psychological distress and loneliness of Australian carers and non-carers. (1st February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abbasi-Shavazi, Azadeh; Biddle, Nicholas; Edwards, Ben; Jahromi, Maria
• Is Part Of: International journal of care and caring. Volume 6:Number 1/2(2022)
• Page Start: 179
• Page End: 209
• Publication Date: 2022-02-01
• Subjects: informal carers -- life satisfaction -- psychological distress -- COVID-19
• DOI: 10.1332/239788221X16323394592678
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2397-8821

Abstract

Abstract : Using six waves of longitudinal data, we investigate wellbeing, psychological distress and loneliness differences between informal carers and non-carers in the context of COVID-19-related policy changes in Australia. Wellbeing levels fluctuated along with the virus case numbers. Free childcare temporarily alleviated the disparity between carers and non-carers, but by its cessation, carers, in particular, reported lower wellbeing and higher psychological distress. Wage subsidies and income supports had opposing effects for carers' and non-carers' mental health but decreased the loneliness of both groups. Victorians, living in the state where the second wave of infections in Australia was concentrated, experienced worse outcomes than other Australians.