Family Caregivers’ Psychosocial Well-being in the Context of the Great Recession

Abstract

The economic instability of the Great Recession contributed to a rise in multigenerational households as more individuals took on unanticipated care responsibilities for older family members while navigating financial uncertainties. Guided by the life course perspective, this study compared the psychological and social well-being of family caregivers and examined the moderating influences of financial challenges experienced during the Great Recession. Filial and sandwiched caregivers ( N = 138; Mage = 52.80; SDage = 11.25) from the Refresher Cohort of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) survey provided information on demographics, caregiving, financial challenges, and well-being. Findings from regression analyses showed that sandwiched caregivers exhibited lower environmental mastery and positive relations with others than filial caregivers ( p = .07). Moderation analyses showed that sandwiched caregivers with fewer than average financial challenges exhibited lower social actualization than the other family caregivers ( p = .01). Study findings underscore the need to support family caregivers’ psychosocial well-being as they navigate caregiving responsibilities and financial disruptions.

Physical and social wellbeing of family caregivers of persons with hepatitis B associated chronic liver disease in Ghana: a qualitative study

“…Family caregivers stand a higher risk of experiencing social isolation [ 34 ]. Family caregivers had limited social engagements because they spent most of their time on caregiving tasks, negatively impacting their social wellbeing [ 35 ]. This suggests that it is essential to create social support groups and encourage family caregivers to join these groups to enable them to have access to resources aimed at reducing the feeling of isolation and enhancing their social wellbeing [ 36 ].…”