Burden, coping, physical symptoms and psychological morbidity in caregivers of functionally dependent family members.

OBJECTIVES this study assessed burden, coping, physical symptoms and psychological morbidity in caregivers of functionally dependent family members. METHODS fifty family caregivers completed self-reported measures of burden, physical symptoms, psychological morbidity and coping strategies. RESULTS there was a significant negative correlation between coping strategies and the different clinical variables, as well as a significant positive correlation between coping strategies and duration of care. It appears that the stronger bond between caregiver and family member leads to a poorer use of adaptive coping strategies. It also appears that the deterioration of the relationship between them and the lower perceived self-efficacy are more prominent in caregivers of family members with cognitive impairment, indicating that caregivers with family members without cognitive impairment face fewer difficulties. CONCLUSION these results emphasize the need for interventions to include coping strategies, since they are important in reducing caregivers' burden, psychological morbidity and physical symptoms.