Stress, appraisal, coping and perceived social support as predictors of mental health outcomes of spouse-caregivers of persons with dementia

by Chung Yin-kwan, Carol

(Uncorrected OCR) ill Abstract I lie relationship among objective sucssors. cognitive appraisal. self-efficacy, coping styles, social support and mental healih conditions, including both psychological distress and positive well-being were examined in 67 spousal caregivers ot'patieni with Deniemia. 1'articipaui.s completed a set of questionnaires and attended an individual interview Results indicated thai caregivers' mental health conditions were not comparable to noncareuiv ers. Social support, coping styles. self-efficacy and cognitive appraisals did have significant effects on menial health outcomes. Results also indicated thai better caregiver mental health outcomes were -associated with lower caregiver appraisals of stressfulness ol patient problems, higher appraisals of self-efficacy for caiegiving problems, more social support and higher levels of satisfaction wiih their social suppori , and greater use of wishful thinking or avoidance coping, and lower use of problem !ocli;-\'J coping