The impact of psychiatric disorders on caregivers: An integrative predictive model of burden, stigma, and well-being

Perspect Psychiatr Care. 2022 Oct;58(4):2372-2382. doi: 10.1111/ppc.13071. Epub 2022 Mar 28.

Abstract

Purpose: The study investigates the predictors of caregivers' experienced burden, stigma, and well-being, when looking after family members diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder.

Design and methods: This cross-sectional study included 168 caregivers; perceived burden, stigma, well-being, knowledge, illness perception, and medical variables were assessed.

Findings: A number of correlates of burden, stigma, and well-being have been identified and are being discussed. The integrative predictive model showed that the caregiver's emotional representation of illness best predicts burden (β = 0.38, p < 0.001), stigma (β = 0.53, p < 0.001) and well-being (β = -0.36, p < 0.001).

Practice implications: Our results can enable health professionals to tailor psychosocial interventions addressed to family members of individuals living with a psychiatric condition.

Keywords: burden; caregivers; emotional representation; genetic counselling; stigma; well-being.

MeSH terms

  • Caregivers* / psychology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Family / psychology
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders*
  • Social Stigma