The Emotional Impact of Caring for the Chronically Ill

Abstract

Thirty-two family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease and 30 caregivers of persons with cancer were compared cross-sectionally to determine whether the type of illness cared for affected the emotional state of the caregiver and to identify correlates of both undesirable and desirable emotional outcomes. No prominent differences in negative or positive emotional states were found between the two groups. Correlates of negative and positive emotional status were identified. They include caregiver personality variables, the feeling that one is supported by one's religious faith, and the number of social supports.