Skip to main content
Article
Impact of Role Discrepancies on Caregiver Burden among Spouses
Research on Aging (2010)
  • Marie Y Savundranayagam, Western University
  • R. J.V. Montgomery, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Abstract

Using caregiver identity theory, the authors investigated whether role discrepancies mediated the relationships between illness-related stressors (activities of daily living [ADLs] limitations and problem behaviors) and burden (stress, relationship, and objective burden) for spouse caregivers. Participants completed measures of identity standards for spouse and caregiver roles and behaviors, burden, assistance with ADLs, and problem behaviors. Structural equation modeling analyses revealed that role discrepancies completely mediated the relationships between ADLs and stress and relationship burden. Although role discrepancies mediated the relationships between problem behaviors and all forms of burden, there were direct relationships between problem behaviors and burden. Finally, participants who exceeded their relationship identity standards experienced greater burden. Supporting caregiver identity theory, the results suggest that ADL assistance is burdensome for caregivers when it highlights inconsistencies between their behaviors and their relationship expectations. However, unpredictable stressors such as problem behaviors are both inherently burdensome and highlight role discrepancies.

Keywords
  • identity,
  • caregiving,
  • spouses,
  • roles,
  • burden,
  • stressors,
  • problem behaviors,
  • functional decline
Publication Date
2010
Citation Information
Marie Y Savundranayagam and R. J.V. Montgomery. "Impact of Role Discrepancies on Caregiver Burden among Spouses" Research on Aging Vol. 32 Iss. 2 (2010)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/marie_savundranayagam/8/