DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/PTCB-ZK57

Defense Date

2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Paul B. Perrin, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Juan Carlos Arango Lasprilla, Ph.D

Third Advisor

Robin Everhart, Ph.D.

Abstract

This cross-sectional study examined differences in family needs (informational, social, financial, health, and household support), caregiver mental health (depression, satisfaction with life, vitality, social functioning, and emotional role limitations), and caregiver burden (personal life, guilt, and psychological) among caregivers of individuals with traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and dementia from cities in Colombia and Mexico (N = 343). The study also examined the connections among family needs, caregiver mental health, and caregiver burden in the combined sample of caregivers of individuals with neurological conditions. Many significant differences were identified among groups, and implications are discussed. Family needs, caregiver mental health, and burden were all robustly associated with each other, with financial and social support needs, depression, and burden-personal life and guilt emerging as particularly important. Clinicians should focus on helping caregivers meet financial and social support needs in order to positively influence caregiver burden and mental health.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

12-11-2014

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