The Sandwich Generation, characterized by individuals
concurrently caring for aging parents and their own children, faces a
distinctive set of challenges that profoundly impact their mental health and
overall well-being. The specific research questions this paper intends to answer
are “what are the unique mental health stressors faced by the Sandwich
Generation in North America and what psychotherapeutic approaches are best suited to mitigate
these effects?”
The paper will begin with an
overview of the demographic, socioeconomic, and cultural factors that define
this group. It will then delve into the multifaceted mental health
consequences, including emotional and psychological stress, anxiety,
depression, burnout, and the physical, financial and relational strains
associated with these dual caregiving roles. Additionally, it will also look at
gender-specific challenges, cultural and ethnic variations, and the influence
of socioeconomic status on the experiences of the Sandwich Generation.
With this overall context in mind,
the paper will then examine psychotherapeutic approaches and perspectives that
may be best suited to address these specific challenges, including Pyschodynamic
Psychotherapy, Life Course and Family System perspectives, Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Group Therapy.
Gaps in the existing literature will be identified, and recommendations for
future research will also be provided to better understand and address the
evolving needs of this group.
Ultimately, this paper aims to
provide therapists with a foundation of information and strategies to help them
effectively work with and enhance the well-being of clients that fall within the
Sandwich Generation.