What do young adults think about informal care for older adults?: Testing and validation of a public caregiver stigma scale in Canada

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ID: 333706
2026
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Abstract
Abstract Background and Objectives Young adults are the caregivers of tomorrow. However, it remains unclear what stereotypes about informal caregiving for older adults they have learned. This study aimed to test and validate a first of its kind scale to measure public caregiver stigma as perceived among young adults without prior care experiences. Research Design and Methods Participants aged 18 to 35 years, collected from the community (sample 1) and university students (sample 2) in Canada answered a self-reported online survey on public caregiver stigma (Public Caregiver Stigma Scale, Warmth-Competence-Scale) and their sociodemographic background. Exploratory (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor analyses (CFA) were conducted, and the resulting scale was tested for content and concurrent validity and reliability. Results : The EFA performed on sample 1 resulted in a two-factor model with correlated factors that was confirmed by a CFA in sample 2, demonstrating excellent model fit. Content and concurrent validity were supported by the study’s findings and internal consistency of the two scales varied between acceptable and good. Young adults showed moderately high positive and negative public caregiver stigma, which were associated with their sociodemographic characteristics. Discussion and implications The study confirmed a new quantitative measure of public caregiver stigma targeting unpaid caregiving for older adults, reflecting negative (e.g., isolation, invisibility) and positive (e.g., admiration) stereotypes, emotional, and behavioral reactions. In addition to new insights into younger adults’ perspectives of care, it provides a promising new instrument to investigate society’s expectations of informal caregiving for the aging population.
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Authors Larissa Zwar, Sanjna Ratti
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Journal the gerontologist
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/geront/gnag248
URL
https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/advance-article-pdf/doi/10.1093/geront/gnag248/72405941/gnag248.pdf
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