An Intergroup Approach to Understanding Social Identity Shifts Across the Caregiver Lifespan: An Analysis of Online Caregiver Forums

Caregivers’ social identities shift as they navigate caregiving stages, shaped by stress, cultural norms, and communication with care recipients and healthcare providers. This study examines how language and group dynamics influence caregiving experiences in culturally diverse online forums, using an intergroup communication lens and focusing on identity changes across the caregiving lifespan. Thirty-eight publicly available caregiver narratives were analyzed to uncover meanings tied to these identity shifts. Guided by theories of social identity, intergroup communication, and narrative identity, thematic analysis revealed four core themes: (a) identity transformation through the caregiving role (n = 34); (b) coping via faith, humor, and community (n = 29); (c) structural and systemic barriers (n = 24); and (d) ethics of care and chosen sacrifice (n = 21). Faith and humor emerged as enduring coping strategies. Findings underscore online forums as vital sources of emotional support amid caregiving stress.