Stress and coping patterns of participants and non-participants in self-help groups for parents of the mentally ill

The authors examined differences in stress and coping patterns as well as in situationally-related variables between participants and non-participants in self-help groups for parents of the mentally ill in Israel. Participants, who were higher on socio-economic status indicators, reported coping patterns that tended to be both more active and interactive. They also reported greater concerns around psycho-social issues than non-participants. The authors discuss the possible interrelationships among these findings.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/44305/1/10597_2004_Article_BF00752453.pd

Concept and models for the study of caregiver burden

Families caring for a mentally ill member experience various degrees of burden. The concept of burden has been studied over the centuries and is seen primarily as an obligation which entails a cost. In very few cases burden has been seen positively. The present article explores the concept of burden as it is presented in the literature, addresses the categories of strain that families caring for mentally ill relatives experience, and presents four models for the study of caregiver burden. Copyright © 1994, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserve