The Relevance of Social Capital for for Care Providers: A Qualitative Study Using the Dyadic Interview to Examine the Role of Informal Relationships in Supporting Italian Caregivers

Increases in life expectancy also mean increases in the size of in the elderly population requiring care. This has significant implications for family members, often referred to as the “sandwich generation” as they are tasked with addressing the needs and caring for individuals across the age spectrum. This research is part of a national mixed-methods study being conducted in Italy (from 2024 to 2025) investigating the role of informal social relationships in supporting family carers.

The presentation will focus on the qualitative aspect of the study, which aims to investigate the role of the social capital of individuals who provide care to relatives aged 65 and above. We adopted a more expansive definition of the term “sandwich generation,” with particular reference to the Italian context. A purposive sample of 20 caregivers, aged from 50 to 65, were interviewed online using the dyadic interview method: the dyads were composed of caregivers and their supporters, such as spouses, other relatives, or friends. The interviews collected in depth information on the caregivers’ experiences, including their perceptions of the caregiver role, their well-being, and the impact of the caregiver role on their work. The data collected was analysed by qualitative thematic analysis using template analysis.

The preliminary findings suggest that caregivers frequently encounter significant challenges in their daily lives. Social capital is regarded as a crucial component of their support, but maintaining it can be challenging. Furthermore, the results highlight how being a care-provider may also lead to conflicts in the family dynamic. This study emphasizes the value of informal social networks for caregivers and the kinds of support they provide. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of examining the formal assistance that caregivers require in order to enhance their quality of life.