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Article
Combining Formal and Informal Caregiving Roles: The Psychosocial Implications of Double- and Triple-Duty Care
The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences (2016)
  • Nicole DePasquale, The Pennsylvania State University
  • Kelly D. Davis, Pennsylvania State University
  • Steven H. Zarit, The Pennsylvania State University
  • Phyllis Moen, Cornell University
  • Leslie B. Hammer, Portland State University
  • David M. Almeida, The Pennsylvania State University
Abstract
Objectives. Women who combine formal and informal caregiving roles represent a unique, understudied population. In the literature, healthcare employees who simultaneously provide unpaid elder care at home have been referred to as double-duty caregivers. The present study broadens this perspective by examining the psychosocial implications of double-duty child care (child care only), double-duty elder care (elder care only), and triple-duty care (both child care and elder care or “sandwiched” care).
Method. Drawing from the Work, Family, and Health Study, we focus on a large sample of women working in nursing homes in the United States (n= 1,399). We use multiple regression analysis and analysis of covariance tests to examine a range of psychosocial implications associated with double- and triple-duty care.
Results. Compared with nonfamily caregivers, double-duty child caregivers indicated greater family-to-work conflict and poorer partner relationship quality. Double-duty elder caregivers reported more family-to-work conflict, perceived stress, and psychological distress, whereas triple-duty caregivers indicated poorer psychosocial functioning overall.
Discussion. Relative to their counterparts without family caregiving roles, women with combined caregiving roles reported poorer psychosocial well-being. Additional research on women with combined caregiving roles, especially triple-duty caregivers, should be a priority amidst an aging population, older workforce, and growing number of working caregivers.
Disciplines
Publication Date
2016
DOI
10.1093/geronb/gbu139
Publisher Statement
© The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. 
Citation Information
DePasquale, N., Davis, K. D., Zarit, S. H., Moen, P., Hammer, L. B., & Almeida, D. M. (2016). Combining Formal and Informal Caregiving Roles: The Psychosocial Implications of Double- and Triple-Duty Care. The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 71(2), 201–211. http://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbu139