The effects of social support on the well-being of Japanese caregivers of demented elders.

Abstract

This study investigated the well-being of 127 caregivers of Japanese demented elderly. Data were gathered through interviews or self-administered questionnaires from members of organizations which helped caregivers in three Japanese prefectures. A model was developed to clarify the effects of specific caregiving stressors and the main and buffering effects of specific types of social support on five aspects of caregiver's well-being. The study also explored the effects of the relationship of caregivers to the elder (spouse, daughter, and daughter-in-law) on the caregiver's well-being. Major findings were: (1) Three identified stressors (Elder's ADLs, Elder's Problem Behaviors, and Financial Condition) had harmful effects on caregivers' well-being, however, different stressors had more impact on particular outcomes. Elder's ADLs had more impact on caregiver's physical well-being, elder's Problem Behavior had more impact on psychological well-being, and Financial Condition had pervasive effects on well-being. (2) Satisfaction with three types of support (Tangible, Informational, and Emotional) had main effects on well-being, but each had significant effects on only certain aspects of well-being: Tangible support affected Self-Rated Health. Informational support affected Depressive Symptoms and Quality of Living. Emotional support affected Depressive Symptoms, Self-Rated Health, and Quality of Living. Problems with support affected all aspects of measured well-being. (3) Informational and Emotional support had buffering effects on Elder's ADLs. (4) Informational and emotional support had significantly amplifying effects on poor Financial condition. (5) Caregivers in different relationships to the elder duffered in support and well-being. Daughters-in-law tended to have more satisfaction with three types of support and had significantly more problems with support than the other two groups. Both daughters and daughters-in-law reported more depressive symptoms, poorer self-rated health, and higher physical symptoms than spouse caregivers. Social support had more positive effects on well-being for daughters and daughters-in-law than for spouses. Overall, the results support the main effects model for stressors and social support, but provide only limited support for social support as a buffer.