Risk factors raise the chance of negative influence on the young adult carer. Protective factors on the other hand decrease this chance. 

In research many risk factors are mentioned:

Factors concerning the person who is ill
a Lengthy illness duration of person who is being cared for
b Many limitations due to the illness
c Psychiatric problems of person who is being cared for
d Low level of predictability on the progression of the illness

Factors concerning relations young adult carer
e Small social network, isolation
f separation of the parent
g No recognition for the care a young adult carer provides
h Lack of bonding with the mother
i Single parenthood, the Young Adult Carers had one parent
j Low quality of marital relationship
k Parental depression

Factors concerning the young adult carer personally
l Few coping skills
m Female gender of the young adult carer (female are a greater risk for stress than male)

Other
n High frequency of caring tasks
o Financial problems in the family
p Little leisure time
q Low socio-economic status (SES)

[SURVEYS 4]