Systematic review of the predictors of carer burden in caregivers of children with chronic conditions; and, The relationship between carer burden, self-compassion, psychological flexibility and wellbeing in caregivers of children with chronic conditions
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Date
31/07/2021Item status
Restricted AccessAuthor
Schroeter, Vera Medea
Metadata
Abstract
Background: Caregivers of children with chronic conditions have been shown to experience
higher levels of carer burden, which has been linked to increased mental health difficulties
(such as anxiety and depression) and lower wellbeing. Evidence suggests that there are a
number of factors which may act as predictors of carer burden in this population, however
further research is needed to update the evidence base. A number of studies suggest a role for
self-compassion and psychological flexibility as potential predictors of the relationship
between carer burden and caregiver wellbeing. Research Article 1 synthesised findings
regarding predictors of carer burden in caregivers of children with chronic conditions as an
update from a review completed in 2012. Research Article 2 examined whether carer burden,
self-compassion, psychological flexibility predict wellbeing in caregivers of children with
chronic conditions.
Design: In Research Article 1 the authors conducted a systematic search using the electronic
databases PsychINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied
Health Literature as well as examining grey literature and reference lists of included studies.
Findings were summarised using a narrative synthesis approach. In Research Article 2 a cross
sectional design was used. Participants (N = 205) were recruited via social media, and
completed an online survey encompassing demographic information and measures of burden
(ZBI), self-compassion (SCS), psychological inflexibility (AAQ-II), anxiety (GAD-7),
depression (PHQ-9) and quality of life (QoLS).
Results Preliminary results suggest that caregiver mental health difficulties, marital conflict
and other stressors, high hours of caregiving, condition severity and family income/loss of
work predict increased carer burden. Probable protective factors included good family
functioning, social support, caregiver coping, family centred care and quality of life. Results
from Research Article 2 showed that in combination carer burden, self-compassion and
psychological inflexibility all significantly predicted anxiety, depression and quality of life
with large effect sizes. Carer burden was found to be a predictor of higher anxiety and lower
quality of life but did not predict depression. Psychological inflexibility predicted higher
anxiety and depression scores and lower quality of life. Self-compassion predicted lower
anxiety and depression scores and higher quality of life.
Conclusion: Overall the two studies highlight the important of supporting caregivers of
children with chronic conditions, and the need for further high quality research in this
population. Preliminary findings regarding potential predictor variables need to be further
examined in a larger sample using standardised measures of carer burden. Carer burden,
psychological inflexibility and self-compassion appear to be important targets for
intervention to improve wellbeing in caregivers of children with chronic conditions. Future
research is needed to examine how these predictors could be targeted by interventions to
support caregiver wellbeing.