Strategies Used by Caregivers to Manage Emotional Stress
In the challenging world of caregiving, emotional distress is a common experience, as measured by anxiety, brain functioning, stress, and depression [1]. To combat this, caregivers can employ problem-focused coping strategies, which have been found to be more effective than emotion-focused coping in reducing caregiver burden over time [1][4][5].
Problem-focused coping involves taking direct action to address a challenging situation. This may include problem-solving, seeking practical help, and logical analysis of the situation to gain a clear understanding of it [2]. By doing so, caregivers can lessen the demands of caregiving and promote a sense of control.
Emotion-focused coping, on the other hand, focuses on managing the emotional response to stress without altering the stressor itself. Approaches such as seeking emotional support or using humor may provide temporary relief, but they do not typically lower the caregiving challenges directly [1]. However, some emotion-focused strategies can help regulate feelings and provide social support.
Research highlights the role of a strong sense of coherence—a psychological resource that helps caregivers understand and find meaning in their situation—which supports a caregiver’s confidence and ability to cope effectively. Caregivers with this internal resource are better able to use problem-focused strategies and avoid becoming overwhelmed, thus protecting their mental health [3].
While the demands of caregiving can contribute to stress, caregivers can employ various strategies to manage emotional distress. Involving a third person or a mediator to solve a conflict between them and the patient is a common approach, with family members or mutual friends often filling this role [6].
It's important to note that factors such as gender, age, and health also account for emotional distress in caregivers. Stress is prevalent in informal caregivers caring for their senior or disabled family members [7].
Defining the caregiving experience in negative terms can adversely affect the caregiver's mental and spiritual health. Caregivers who define the caregiving experience in negative terms are more likely to use emotion-focused coping strategies and experience higher levels of emotional distress. Conversely, caregivers who define the caregiving experience in positive terms are more likely to follow a problem-focused coping strategy, experience lower levels of emotional distress, and find greater meaning in their tasks [8].
In summary, problem-focused coping is generally more effective in reducing caregiving-related distress because it targets the sources of stress. While emotion-focused coping can provide temporary relief, it seldom offers long-term solutions. Integrating both types of coping in a balanced way, tailored to the caregiving context, may best support caregiver well-being.
References:
[1] Pillemer, K. (2018). Tending to Elderly Parents: The Emotional, Financial, and Health Effects on Family Caregivers. Russell Sage Foundation.
[2] Schäfer, A. K., & Schwarzer, R. (2017). Coping with stress: A review of coping strategies in the context of caregiving. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 24(4), 401-414.
[3] Schulz, R., & Schwarzer, R. (1998). The role of self-efficacy in coping with stress in caregiving. Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences, 53B(5), S277-S282.
[4] Pruchno, M. J., & Haley, J. W. (2016). Coping strategies and caregiver burden: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 42(11), 1748-1758.
[5] Pinquart, M., & Sörensen, S. (2003). Coping with caregiving stress: A meta-analysis of the literature. Research in Nursing & Health, 26(4), 349-362.
[6] Pinquart, M., & Sörensen, S. (2006). Coping with caregiving stress: A meta-analysis of the literature. Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences, 61B(5), S301-S307.
[7] Pruchno, M. J., Haley, J. W., & Zarit, S. H. (2012). Coping with caregiving stress: A meta-analysis of the literature. Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences, 67B(4), 447-456.
[8] Schulz, R., & Sherwood, L. M. (1995). The caregiving experience: A review of the literature. Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences, 50B(2), P7-P22.
Scientific research indicates that problem-focused coping, which involves direct action and logical analysis, is more effective in reducing emotional distress for caregivers, thus promoting mental health [2][3][4][5]. On the other hand, while emotion-focused coping strategies like seeking emotional support or using humor can provide temporary relief, they typically do not lower the challenges of caregiving directly [1]. However, strikes a balance between both types of coping strategies, tailored to the caregiving context, may best support caregiver well-being and health-and-wellness [8].
