Understanding the Mental Health Experiences of Unpaid Caregivers: The Role and Limitations of Caregiver Identity Theory

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the mental health of unpaid caregivers, exacerbating the challenges they face in providing essential care for older adults. This chapter explores the role and limitations of caregiver identity theory (CIT) in understanding the experiences of unpaid family and friend caregivers. The theory, developed by Montgomery and Kosloski, focuses on the social construction of caregiver identity and the dynamic process of assuming the caregiving role. While CIT offers valuable insights into the caregiver experience, the chapter critically examines its limitations, particularly its gendered, Eurocentric, and heteronormative foundations, which may restrict its applicability in diverse caregiving contexts. The theory and linear progression model and the assumption of a seamless return to the primary role post-caregiving are also scrutinized. The pandemic context underscores the need for a broader theoretical framework to inform practice and policy, ensuring better mental health support for unpaid caregivers facing unprecedented challenges. The author advocates for a more inclusive and dynamic approach to caregiving theory, considering diverse identities, relationships, and contextual factors.