Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

Abstract

This study examined caregiver strain in relation to caregiving demands from a role theory perspective. Goode (1960) introduced the concept of role strain, defined as felt difficulty in the fulfillment of role obligations. From this view, role strain is seen as a normal and even inevitable part of an individual's constant struggle to balance multiple obligations. Participants were 109 adults who currently provide care for a parent with Alzheimer's disease. Participants completed a questionnaire using the Internet that included the Global Role Strain Scale, the Revised Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist, the Mutuality Scale, the Role Demand Overload Scale, and a demographic questionnaire. A stepwise multiple regression was conducted with caregiver reaction to elder's behaviors, mutuality, and role demand overload as the predictors, and caregiver strain as the criterion variable. Mutuality, caregiver reaction to Memory-Related Problems and Symptoms of Depression, and hours per day of care were found to be statistically significant predictors of the adult child caregiver's global role strain.

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