Correlation of Caregiver Role Strain with Impaired Psychosocial Health and Self-Care Practices

Abstract

In 2021, 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. were providing care to a family member or loved one with a chronic health condition or disability (Kilmer et al., 2024). A major concern among caregivers is role strain and the long-term effects on personal physical and mental health. One study indicated that high caregiving burden has been associated with lower involvement in self-care and increased mental health burdens (Tay et al., 2023). Similarly, another study revealed that frequent poor mental health days of the caregiver produce a reduced quality of life (Monahan et al., 2023). The purpose of the study was to identify a correlation between caregiver role strain and depressive symptoms and to determine whether caregiver role strain impairs the self-care practices of the caregiver. Inclusion criteria included being a caregiver for a minimum of 30 days for an average of 12 hours per week, and a survey was distributed, including 7 demographic questions, Modified Caregiver Strain Index (MCSI), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), and 2 self-care practice questions to ensure proper requirements and measurements. The sample included 187 participants, with the majority being white females aged 50-65. The findings suggested that higher levels of caregiver strain were associated with increased depressive symptoms. In addition, greater caregiver strain was associated with increased impairment in self-care practices. The findings of this study revealed the detrimental effects of caregiver role strain on the caregiver’s mental health and self-care. This study exhibited the prevalence of caregiver role strain with impaired psychosocial health and self-care abilities, and exposed the importance of interventions for improved long-term caregiver mental and physical health