Herbell, Kayla

Background: Given the growing number of family members who provide care to adults with a disability or illness, this study examined differences in coping resources and mental health among family caregivers of persons with various health conditions. Methods: Within the context of Ensel and Lin’s stress paradigm, 234 family caregivers participated in an online study by completing validated measures of resourcefulness, spiritual practices, caregiver burden, anxiety, and depression.

Background: Although caregiver identity theory asserts there is no single generic caregiver identity, comparisons on demographic characteristics and burden of care have not been made among caregivers of persons with various health conditions. Methods: Using social media to access study participants, this cross-sectional study of 234 family caregivers of persons with various health conditions examined their demographic characteristics (age, gender, and race/ethnicity) and burden of care (daily care hours and caregiving years) using online data collection.