Depression as a mediator: viewing caregiver well-being and strain in a different light

This study examines the relationship between caregiver characteristics and caregiver well-being as comprised of two components, activities of living and basic needs. The role of depression in predicting caregiver well-being is explored using a sample of caregivers of family members with chronic illness. Using a path-analysis model, multivariate findings suggest that depression explains 56% of the variance in activities of living and 64% in basic needs. Path analysis further identifies depression as a mediator between stress and well-being. Implications for research and practice are highlighted.