Precocidad en la solidaridad familiar intergeneracional: un estudio exploratorio sobre el fenómeno de los jóvenes cuidadores en España
Resumen
Habitualmente, los progenitores cuidan de sus hijos hasta que estos se convierten en adultos independientes, y, de manera similar, los hijos cuidan de sus progenitores en su vejez. Sin embargo, este orden socialmente aceptado puede invertirse cuando los progenitores padecen una enfermedad crónica mientras sus hijos aún son jóvenes. Este artículo analiza las experiencias vividas por jóvenes cuidadores y cómo les afecta la enfermedad de un miembro de la familia. Para ello se emplea la teoría de la solidaridad familiar intergeneracional (SFI) y se utilizan datos cualitativos obtenidos mediante entrevistas en profundidad semiestructuradas con jóvenes cuidadores residentes en España (N = 8).
El artículo revela que la enfermedad de un miembro de la familia refuerza la solidaridad familiar intergeneracional y la unidad familiar, implica un proceso de aprendizaje, provoca angustia psicológica y crea una necesidad de apoyo emocional. Además, el estudio identifica algunas diferencias menores en función del sexo de los jóvenes cuidadores.
Las principales aportaciones de este artículo son dos. En primer lugar, contribuye a la literatura internacional sobre los jóvenes cuidadores utilizando la perspectiva teórica elaborada por Bengtson y Roberts en 1991, que se aplica comúnmente a la relación entre hijos adultos y padres ancianos o entre abuelos y nietos. En segundo lugar, el artículo aporta nuevas consideraciones empíricas para la investigación y el reconocimiento social de los jóvenes cuidadores, particularmente en España, donde la familia constituye un pilar fundamental de la protección social, la literatura sobre este fenómeno es escasa y la concienciación social es limitada.
Palabras clave
joven cuidador, métodos cualitativos, solidaridad familiar intergeneracional, EspañaCitas
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