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Rexhaj S, Nguyen A, Favrod J, Coloni-Terrapon C, Buisson L, Drainville AL, Martinez D. Women involvement in the informal caregiving field: A perspective review. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1113587. [PMID: 36741114 PMCID: PMC9889973 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1113587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The patient recovery process of individual with mental health disorder is reinforced if they are connected with their community and supported by relatives. The literature has shown that caregivers are important, although their roles can lead to alterations in their own health; and women are the most involved in this role. The present review investigated women's involvement in the informal caregiver scientific field. A literature review indicated gender differences; researchers who are women are more interested in this field than men. Even with a good representation of women in this scientific field, the results showed a statistically significant gender difference for the first and second authors, whereas there was no significant gender difference among the last authors. More efforts must be made to recognize the importance of women's involvement in research because they raise a specific important field. Family caregivers are key players in the healthcare system, but to date, there has been little recognition of their enormous contribution. Our results also indicated the informal caregiver role is filled more by women than by men, which creates social inequalities in many domains, especially in opportunities at the professional level. Tailored interventions are required to address the specific needs and issues of family caregivers. A better redistribution of unpaid work, such as informal caregiving, compared to paid work must be made to respect gender in social existence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyhrete Rexhaj
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Nguyen
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jérôme Favrod
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Claire Coloni-Terrapon
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland.,School of Nursing Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Leslie Buisson
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Laure Drainville
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Debora Martinez
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
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2
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Greenberg J, Hilton EC, Li JJ, Lu Q, Mailick MR. The impact of parenting a child with serious mental illness: Accounting for the parent's genetic vulnerability to mental illness. JOURNAL OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY : JFP : JOURNAL OF THE DIVISION OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY OF THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (DIVISION 43) 2021; 35:417-422. [PMID: 32673031 PMCID: PMC8331066 DOI: 10.1037/fam0000783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Parents of adults with serious mental illness (SMI) often are primary caregivers for their affected relative. Prior work has suggested that the toll of caregiving is associated with poorer well-being in family caregivers, particularly parents of affected adults. However, due to methodological limitations, it has not been possible to assess these family caregivers' own genetic vulnerability to mental and physical health problems, and thus the impact of caregivers' genetic risk on well-being may not have been accounted for. With the addition of genetic data to large survey samples, family caregivers' genetic vulnerability to mental and physical health problems can now be estimated. Parents from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study who have an adult child with an SMI (n = 265) and a comparison group of parents with a child without disabilities (n = 5,036) reported their psychological well-being and mental and physical health across 4 measures. Genetic vulnerability was assessed using polygenic risk scores of neuroticism, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression. Results indicate that the effect of having a child with an SMI still had significant effects for all 4 parental health outcomes even after controlling for these measures of genetic vulnerability. This study's results affirm the negative health impact of parenting a child with SMI, above and beyond genetic vulnerability. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Qiongshi Lu
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics
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3
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Namkung EH, Greenberg JS, Mailick MR, Floyd FJ. Effects of parenting adults with disabilities on later-life health: The role of intergenerational ambivalence. Psychol Aging 2020; 35:177-189. [PMID: 31613134 PMCID: PMC7042070 DOI: 10.1037/pag0000413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
According to family systems theory, strains from parenting an adult with disabilities may spill over to parents' relationships with their other children and disrupt family dynamics and their well-being in later-life. This study examined whether parental ambivalence toward their nondisabled children is greater in families of adults with disabilities (developmental disabilities [DD] or serious mental illnesses [SMI]) than families without any adult children with disabilities. The study also investigated whether ambivalence mediates the associations between having an adult child with DD or SMI and parents' health. Data were from the 2011 Wisconsin Longitudinal Study in which aging parents (Mage = 71; n = 6,084) were asked about their relationship with each of their adult children. Multilevel regression models and multilevel structural equation models were estimated to analyze the data. Our findings showed that parents of an adult with SMI felt greater ambivalence toward their nondisabled adult children than comparison group parents of adult children without disabilities, whereas no significant differences were found between parents of an adult child with DD and comparison group parents. Parental ambivalence toward their nondisabled adult children played a significant indirect role in the negative association between having a child with SMI and parental physical and mental health. The findings have implications for clinical practice with aging families of adults with disabilities and suggest the need for additional research to better understand intergenerational parent-adult child dynamics in these families. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The impact of severe mental illnesses (SMIs) is not limited to the person with the illness but extends to their family members and the community where the patient comes from. In this review, we systematically analyse the available evidence of impacts of SMI on family members, including parents, grandparents, siblings, spouses and children. DATA SOURCES PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase and Global Index Medicus were searched from the inception of each database up to 9 November 2019. We also did manual searches of grey literature. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We included studies that assessed the impacts of SMI on any family member. We excluded studies in admitted clinics and acute wards to rule out the acute effect of hospitalisation. DATA EXTRACTION Two reviewers extracted data independently using the Cochrane handbook guideline for systematic reviews and agreed on the final inclusion of identified studies. RISK OF BIAS The quality of the included studies was assessed using effective public health practice project quality assessment tool for quantitative studies.The review protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database. RESULTS We screened a total of 12 107 duplicate free articles and included 39 articles in the review. The multidimensional impact of SMI included physical health problems (sleeplessness, headache and extreme tiredness.), psychological difficulties (depression and other psychological problems) and socioeconomic drift (less likely to marry and higher divorce rate and greater food insecurity). Impacts on children included higher mortality, poor school performance and nutritional problems. However, the quality of one in five studies was considered weak. CONCLUSIONS Our review indicated a high level of multidimensional impact across multiple generations. The serious nature of the impact calls for interventions to address the multidimensional and multigenerational impact of SMI, particularly in low/middle-income countries. Given the relatively high number of studies rated methodologically weak, more robust studies are indicated. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42018064123.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wubalem Fekadu
- Department of Psychiatry, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Psychiatry, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Awoke Mihiretu
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tom K J Craig
- Department of Health Services and Population Research, King's College London, London, London, UK
| | - Abebaw Fekadu
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Center for Innovative Drug Development Therapeutic Studies for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Mittendorfer-Rutz E, Rahman S, Tanskanen A, Majak M, Mehtälä J, Hoti F, Jedenius E, Enkusson D, Leval A, Sermon J, Taipale H, Tiihonen J. Burden for Parents of Patients With Schizophrenia-A Nationwide Comparative Study of Parents of Offspring With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Epilepsy, and Healthy Controls. Schizophr Bull 2019; 45:794-803. [PMID: 30184197 PMCID: PMC6581137 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sby130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study aimed to (1) compare the risk of health care use, adverse health status, and work productivity loss of parents of patients with schizophrenia to parents of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), epilepsy, and healthy controls; and (2) evaluate such outcome measures while considering disease severity of schizophrenia. METHODS Based on linkage of Swedish registers, at least one parent was included (n = 18215) of patients with schizophrenia (information 2006-2013, n = 10883). Similarly, parental information was linked to patients with MS, RA, epilepsy, and matched healthy controls, comprising 11292, 15516, 34715, and 18408 parents, respectively. Disease severity of schizophrenia was analyzed. Different regression models yielding odds ratios (OR), hazard ratios (HR), or relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were run. RESULTS Psychiatric health care use, mainly due to anxiety and affective disorders, showed a strongly increasing trend for parents of patients with schizophrenia throughout the observation period. During the follow-up, these parents had an up to 2.7 times higher risk of specialized psychiatric health care and receipt of social welfare benefits than other parents. Parents of the moderately severely ill patients with schizophrenia had higher risk estimates for psychiatric health care (RR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.07-1.17) compared with parents of least severely ill patients. CONCLUSIONS Parents of patients with schizophrenia have a considerably higher risk of psychiatric health care and social welfare benefit receipt than other parents. Psychiatric health care use worsens over time and with increasing disease severity of the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellenor Mittendorfer-Rutz
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,To whom correspondence should be addressed; tel: +46-8-524-820-25, fax: +46-8-524-832-05, e-mail:
| | - Syed Rahman
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antti Tanskanen
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Niuvanniemi Hospital, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland,The Impact Assessment Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Amy Leval
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Heidi Taipale
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jari Tiihonen
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Niuvanniemi Hospital, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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6
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Namkung EH, Greenberg JS, Mailick MR. Well-being of Sibling Caregivers: Effects of Kinship Relationship and Race. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2018; 57:626-636. [PMID: 26884066 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnw008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose of the Study This study examined whether caregiving has a differential effect on the well-being of sibling caregivers relative to other caregiving groups and whether race moderates this effect. Design and Methods Using the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States, 631 family caregivers (including 61 sibling caregivers) and 4,944 noncaregivers were identified. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to estimate the effect of the caregiver-care recipient relationship and its interaction with race on caregivers' well-being (i.e., depressive symptoms, self-rated health, life satisfaction, and perceived control over life). Results Caregivers in general reported poorer well-being than noncaregivers, but sibling caregivers were less affected by caregiving than parent or spouse caregivers. Among sibling caregivers, caregiving took a significantly greater toll on non-Hispanic White caregivers than those from minority groups with respect to depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. Implication The findings suggest that the experience of sibling caregivers is significantly shaped by their cultural background.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan S Greenberg
- School of Social Work.,Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Marsha R Mailick
- School of Social Work.,Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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Song J, Mailick MR, Greenberg JS. The Impact of the Great Recession on Midlife and Older parents of Individuals With a Mental Health Problem or a Developmental Disability. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2018; 58:448-455. [PMID: 28329847 PMCID: PMC5946810 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnw269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Parents of sons and daughters with disabilities have ongoing financial burdens and vulnerability due to the demands of caregiving responsibilities and their related direct and indirect costs. This study aims to investigate whether midlife and older parents of individuals with a mental health problem or a developmental disability were particularly vulnerable to the impact of the recession. Research Design and Methods The data were drawn from Midlife in the United States (MIDUS), a longitudinal survey of a national probability sample in the United States, Waves II (2004-2006) and III (2013-2014; 84 parents of individuals with a mental health problem, 98 parents of individuals with a developmental disability, and 2,029 parents of individuals without any conditions as a comparison group). Results The findings suggest that the midlife and older parents whose son or daughter had a mental health problem experienced more recession impacts than comparison parents, even after controlling prerecession financial status and sociodemographic characteristics. Discussion and Implications The results indicate the need for policies that provide effective financial support and reduce restrictions on health service access in order to relieve the financial burden experienced by midlife and older parents of individuals with a mental health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Song
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison
| | - Marsha R Mailick
- School of Social Work and Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison
| | - Jan S Greenberg
- School of Social Work and Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison
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The Effectiveness of a Knowledge Translation Cognitive-Educational Intervention for Family Members of Persons Coping with Severe Mental Illness. Community Ment Health J 2018; 54:485-495. [PMID: 28905138 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-017-0169-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Keshet, a course for family members of persons' coping with mental illness, was developed to enhance positive family cognitive communication skills. Improving communication with the use of mediation techniques, primarily used by therapists, creates a learning environment viewed as a strategy of Knowledge Translation. To examine the effectiveness of Keshet in improving attitudes, problem solving, communication skills and attenuation of burden a quasi-experimental research design was applied with study and control condition. The same group of participants (N = 38) completed questionnaires at different stages: 3 months prior to course, initiation and completion. Following participation, significant changes were observed in attitudes regarding knowledge of how to cope and interact with family member. A correlation was found between improved knowledge and decline in burden. Implementing interventions which provide caregivers with professional "know-how" leads to lessened burden, thus contributing to maintaining well-being of family caregiver population.
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9
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Variability of Coefficient Alpha: An Empirical Investigation of the Scales of Psychological Wellbeing. REVIEW OF GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1037/gpr0000112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Using reliability generalization analysis, the purpose of this study was to characterize the average score reliability, the variability of the score reliability estimates, and explore possible characteristics (e.g., sample size) that influence the reliability of scores across studies using the Scales of Psychological Wellbeing (PWB; Ryff, 1989 , 2014 ). Published studies were included in this investigation if they appeared in a peer-reviewed journal, used 1 or more PWB subscales, estimated coefficient alpha value(s) for the PWB subscale(s), and were written in English. Of the 924 articles generated by the search strategy, a total of 264 were included in the final sample for meta-analysis. The average value reported for coefficient alpha referencing the composite PWB Scale was 0.858, with mean coefficient alphas ranging from 0.722 for the autonomy subscale to 0.801 for the self-acceptance subscale. The 95% prediction intervals ranged from [.653, .996] for the composite PWB. The lower bound of the prediction intervals for specific subscales were >.350. Moderator analyses revealed significant differences in score reliability estimates across select sample and test characteristics. Most notably, R2 values linked with test length ranged from 40% to 71%. Concerns were identified with the use of the 3-item per PWB subscale which reinforces claims advanced by Ryff (2014) . Suggestions for researchers using the PWB are advanced which span measurement considerations and standards of reporting. Psychological researchers who calculate score reliability estimates within their own work should recognize the implications of alpha coefficient values on validity, null hypothesis significant testing, and effect sizes.
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10
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Marimbe BD, Cowan F, Kajawu L, Muchirahondo F, Lund C. Perceived burden of care and reported coping strategies and needs for family caregivers of people with mental disorders in Zimbabwe. Afr J Disabil 2016; 5:209. [PMID: 28730046 PMCID: PMC5433451 DOI: 10.4102/ajod.v5i1.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mental health service resources are inadequate in low-income countries, and families are frequently expected to provide care for their relative with a mental disorder. However, research on the consequences of caregiving has been limited in low-income countries, including Zimbabwe. Objective The study explored the perceived impact of mental illness, reported coping strategies and reported needs of the family members of persons diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder or schizophrenia attending a psychiatric hospital in Harare, Zimbabwe. Methods A purposive sample of 31 family members participated in in-depth interviews and focus group discussions using standardised study guides. Participants were also screened for common mental disorders (CMDs) using the 14-item Shona Symptom Questionnaire. Qualitative data were analysed thematically using NVivo 8 qualitative data analysis software. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 16) was used for descriptive quantitative data analysis. Results Caregivers experienced physical, psychological, emotional, social and financial burdens associated with caregiving. They used both emotion-focused and problem-focused coping strategies, depending on the ill family members’ behaviours. Seeking spiritual assistance emerged as their most common way of coping. Twenty-one (68%) of the caregivers were at risk of CMDs (including three participants who were suicidal) and were referred to a psychiatrist for further management. Caregivers required support from healthcare professionals to help them cope better. Conclusion Caregivers of patients attending psychiatry hospitals in Zimbabwe carry a substantial and frequently unrecognised burden of caring for a family member with a mental disorder. Better support is needed from health professionals and social services to help them cope better. Further research is required to quantitatively measure caregiver burden and evaluate potential interventions in Zimbabwe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bazondlile D Marimbe
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe.,Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Frances Cowan
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, United Kingdom.,Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research: Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe
| | - Lazarus Kajawu
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe
| | - Florence Muchirahondo
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe
| | - Crick Lund
- Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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Perlick DA, Berk L, Kaczynski R, Gonzalez J, Link B, Dixon L, Grier S, Miklowitz DJ. Caregiver burden as a predictor of depression among family and friends who provide care for persons with bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2016; 18:183-91. [PMID: 27004622 DOI: 10.1111/bdi.12379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Revised: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Over one-third of caregivers of people with bipolar disorder report clinically significant levels of depressive symptoms. This study examined the causal relationship between depression and caregiver burden in a large sample of caregivers of adult patients with bipolar disorder. METHODS Participants were 500 primary caregivers of persons with bipolar disorder enrolled in the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD).This study evaluates the strength and direction of the associations between caregiver burden and depressive symptoms at baseline and at six- and 12-month follow-up using cross-lagged panel analyses, controlling for the clinical status of patients and sociodemographic variables. RESULTS Higher levels of overall caregiver burden at baseline were associated with increased levels of depressive symptoms among caregivers at follow-up (F = 8.70, df = 1,290, p < 0.001), after controlling for baseline caregiver depression, gender, race, age, social support, and patients' clinical status. By contrast, caregiver depression at baseline was not significantly associated with caregiver burden at follow-up (F = 1.65, p = 0.20). CONCLUSIONS Caregiver burden is a stronger predictor of caregiver depressive symptoms over time than the reverse. Interventions that help alleviate caregiver burden may decrease depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A Perlick
- James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and VISN 3 Mental Illness, Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lesley Berk
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Centre, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Richard Kaczynski
- Veterans Affairs New England Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, West Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jodi Gonzalez
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Bruce Link
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lisa Dixon
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Center for Practice Innovations, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Savannah Grier
- James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and VISN 3 Mental Illness, Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - David J Miklowitz
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, UCLA Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Ghosh S, Ha JH, Pai M, Essenfeld H, Park SM. Impact of Mid-Life Symptoms of Alcoholism on the Health and Wellbeing of Aging Parents of Adults with Disabilities. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2016; 59:56-72. [PMID: 26734891 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2015.1135841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The study examined the effect of adult children's disability on parents' physical health in later life and the extent to which parents' symptoms of alcoholism in mid-life moderates the link between children's disability and later life parental health. Analyses are based on data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study. The analytic sample included parents of children with developmental disabilities (n = 145) or mental health problems (n = 200) and 2,432 parents of unaffected children. The results showed that the negative health consequences in later life of having a child with a developmental disability were greater for those who showed more symptoms of alcoholism in mid-life. However, symptoms of alcoholism in mid-life did not significantly moderate the impact of an adult child's mental health problems on parents' later life physical health. The findings suggest a potential area where gerontological social workers could intervene, given the negative impact of symptoms of alcoholism on the health of aging parents of children with a disability who may be significantly more susceptible to the negative health impacts of alcohol compared to their younger counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subharati Ghosh
- a School of Social Work, Tata Institute of Social Sciences , Mumbai , India
| | - Jung-Hwa Ha
- b Department of Social Welfare, Seoul National University , Seoul , South Korea
| | - Manacy Pai
- c Department of Sociology, Kent State University , Kent , Ohio , USA
| | - Harper Essenfeld
- d School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois , USA
| | - Sang Min Park
- e Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital , Seoul , South Korea
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Dunkle RE, Ingersoll-Dayton B, Chadiha LA. Support for and From Aging Mothers Whose Adult Daughters are Seriously Mentally Ill. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2015; 58:590-612. [PMID: 26098686 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2015.1054056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This article discusses, from the grandmother's perspective, the ways in which support is exchanged in families coping with serious mental illness. A strengths perspective was utilized to identify ways in which family members help each other. Employing a qualitative approach, this study focuses on interviews obtained from a sample of 22 aging mothers, aged 52-90, who are in contact with their daughters who have a mental illness. Grandmothers provided several kinds of support to their mentally ill adult daughters and to their grandchildren, who also supported the aging mother in numerous ways. As social workers seek to assist individuals with mental illness, it is important to assess the existing strengths of their intergenerational family context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth E Dunkle
- a School of Social Work , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan , USA
| | | | - Letha A Chadiha
- a School of Social Work , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan , USA
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14
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Johansson A, Ewertzon M, Andershed B, Anderzen-Carlsson A, Nasic S, Ahlin A. Health-related quality of life--from the perspective of mothers and fathers of adult children suffering from long-term mental disorders. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2015; 29:180-5. [PMID: 26001718 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2015.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
There is a lack of studies on mothers' and fathers' experiences of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) associated with caregiving of adult children suffering from mental disorder. A cross-sectional study was therefore carried out with 108 mothers and 43 fathers. Data were collected by means of the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Family Involvement and Alienation Questionnaire (FIAQ) and the Burden Assessment Scale (BAS). Mothers' HRQOL was affected more than fathers' and lower compared to Swedish age related norms. HRQOL was predominantly related to ratings on HADS and BAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Johansson
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden; Division of Psychiatry, Skaraborg Hospital, Skövde, Sweden.
| | - Mats Ewertzon
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Ersta Sköndal University College, Stockholm, Sweden; Swedish National Family Care Competence Centre, Kalmar, Sweden.
| | - Birgitta Andershed
- Department of Palliative Care Research, Ersta Sköndal University College, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Nursing, Gjøvik University College, Gjøvik, Norway.
| | - Agneta Anderzen-Carlsson
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden; Centre for Health Care Sciences, Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Salmir Nasic
- Research and Development Centre, Skaraborg Hospital, Skövde, Sweden.
| | - Arne Ahlin
- National Board of Institutional Care, SiS Ungdomshem Margretelund, Lidkoping, Sweden.
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Abstract
Besides burden, we need to examine potential rewards of caregiving and coping strategies to determine effective means of supporting caregivers of people with mental illness. Therefore, we conducted semistructured interviews with 60 caregivers of patients with mental illness and analyzed the transcripts with a summarizing content analysis. The interviews focused on negative and positive aspects of providing care and on coping strategies; the latter was also evaluated with the Freiburg Questionnaire on Coping with Illness. The caregivers named 787 individual statements of burden and 413 individual statements of rewards. A factor analysis of the rewards identified growth in character as the main factor. The items with the highest factor loading are increase in self-confidence, inner strength, maturity, and life experience. Linear regression and regression tree analysis identified predictors for caregiver burden. To effectively reduce the burden on caregivers, we need knowledge about their concrete burdens. However, to optimize resource orientation, we must also pay much more attention to the potential rewards of caring.
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16
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Barker ET, Greenberg JS, Seltzer MM, Almeida DM. Daily stress and cortisol patterns in parents of adult children with a serious mental illness. Health Psychol 2012; 31:130-4. [PMID: 21895369 PMCID: PMC3254790 DOI: 10.1037/a0025325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of the current study was to examine whether parenting an adult child with a serious mental illness (SMI) has a physiological impact on parents. METHOD Multiple samples of saliva were collected on 4 days from 61 parents (mean age = 60.07 years, SD = 10.01) of individuals with a SMI (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depression; mean age = 32.46 years, SD = 10.57) and a comparison group of 321 parents (mean age = 58.09 years, SD = 12.88) of individuals without a SMI (mean age = 32.36; SD = 13.87). Saliva samples were assayed for the hormone cortisol and group differences in diurnal cortisol patterns and their association with daily stress severity were explored. RESULTS On days after elevated stress, a hypoactivation pattern of diurnal cortisol suggestive of chronic stress was evident for parents of individuals with a SMI. After more stressful days, cortisol levels increased less from waking to 30 min after waking and declined less from 30 min after waking to bedtime for parents of individuals with a SMI. CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study add to a growing body of evidence that the long-term effects of parenting an adult with a disability has a biological impact on aging parents and support the need for family interventions across adulthood and into old age for parents of individuals with SMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin T Barker
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA.
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17
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Johansson A, Anderzen-Carlsson A, Ahlin A, Andershed B. Mothers' everyday experiences of having an adult child who suffers from long-term mental illness. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2010; 31:692-9. [PMID: 20936890 DOI: 10.3109/01612840.2010.515768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
This paper aims to describe everyday life experiences of mothers who have an adult child with a long-term mental illness. Sixteen mothers were interviewed. A content analysis resulted in one main theme: My adult child who is struggling with mental illness is always on my mind, and three subthemes: (1) living a life under constant strain, (2) living with an emotional burden, and (3) seeing light in the darkness despite difficulties. Knowledge of mothers’ everyday life experiences is of great importance in order to support them and thereby increase the possibility of these mothers being a source of strength for their child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Johansson
- University of Örebro, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro, Sweden.
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18
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Hsiao CY, Van Riper M. Research on caregiving in Chinese families living with mental illness: a critical review. JOURNAL OF FAMILY NURSING 2010; 16:68-100. [PMID: 20145286 DOI: 10.1177/1074840709358405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Much of the existing research on caregiving in families of individuals with mental illness has been conducted in Western societies. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to critically examine research on caregiving in families of individuals with mental illness living in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Mainland China. A search using computerized databases, public search engines, and references from retrieved articles revealed 37 studies published from 1990 to 2009. Four studies were theory driven at an individual level, and one study was guided by a family-level framework. Thirty-two articles were quantitative studies, and 5 were qualitative studies. All but 5 of 37 studies were cross-sectional. Findings suggest that misconceptions about mental illness, behavior disturbances, inadequate social support, and the limited value placed on caregiving contribute to maladaptation. Future research should include longitudinal studies guided by culturally appropriate family frameworks and studies using mixed methods.
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Seltzer MM, Almeida DM, Greenberg JS, Savla J, Stawski RS, Hong J, Taylor JL. Psychosocial and biological markers of daily lives of midlife parents of children with disabilities. JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR 2009; 50:1-15. [PMID: 19413131 PMCID: PMC2679175 DOI: 10.1177/002214650905000101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Using daily telephone interviews, 82 midlife parents (mean age = 57.4) of children with disabilities (mean age = 29.9) were compared with a closely matched sample of unaffected parents (N = 82) to elucidate the daily experience of nonnormative parenting. In addition, salivary cortisol samples were obtained to examine whether parents of children with disabilities had dysregulated diurnal rhythms and the extent to which the amount of time spent with children was associated with divergent patterns of cortisol expression. We found that parents of children with disabilities had similar patterns of daily time use and similar likelihood of positive daily events as the comparison group, but they had elevated levels of stress, negative affect, and physical symptoms, all reported on a daily basis. In addition, their diurnal rhythm of cortisol expression differed significantly from the comparison group, a pattern that was strongest for parents of children with disabilities on days when they spent more time with their children.
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